Sheffield Wednesday are still pursuing the signing of former loan striker Ike Ugbo this summer, despite having already signed two centre-forwards, according to a report from The Star.
Danny Rohl and his staff have wasted no time this summer shaping their squad ahead of the 24/25 season. With eight players already through the door at Hillsborough, The Owls do not look like they are slowing down.
Many pundits are now beginning to predict the side to have a considerably better season than the one they had last time out. Although relegation was escaped, the start of the campaign saw the Sheffield club break the record for the worst start to a Championship season, having gone thirteen matches without a victory.
This morning, they announced their most recent signing, former Manchester United forward Charlie McNeill. That deal meant that the Yorkshire outfit had now signed two players whose natural position is as a centre-forward, with the other being Jamal Lowe who arrived on a free transfer from Premier League side Bournemouth.
However, it has been reported that Rohl does not see these as replacements for their primary target Ugbo. The striker has spent the last six months on loan at the side from French Ligue 1 club Troyes. That stint saw the Canadian international make 18 Championship appearances, hitting the back of the net seven times.
His physicality is what had reportedly impressed his German head coach the most and could be seen as the perfect addition to the strike force now at the club. Furthermore, his ability in front of goal was exactly what the side needed as they escaped relegation. The seven goals scored by the former Cardiff City man saw him end the campaign as joint-top scorer at Wednesday, even though he was only 20th for number of matches played.
Any deal for the forward would likely not come cheap, with Ugbo being valued at £2.5 Million according to Transfermarkt.
Writer’s View
Sheffield Wednesday look set for a strong campaign with the players they are bringing in during this window. If they were to make this deal, that prediction would simply be strengthened.
Ugbo showed his ability in the second tier last season, in a side that struggled in front of goal on the whole. His physicality would compliment the rest of the attacking options perfectly, providing Rohl with versatile options to play any system he wishes as he looks to get his first full pre-season under his belt.
