Birmingham City and Stoke City are vying to sign Troyes’ striker Ike Ugbo, despite the player’s preference to return to Sheffield Wednesday following his successful loan spell at Hillsborough.
Ugbo was a key player for Danny Rohl’s team as they managed to stay in the Championship last season. The 25-year-old scored seven goals in 18 appearances, all contributing crucial points for the Owls. As a result, bringing Ugbo back to Yorkshire has been a top priority for Wednesday this summer. However, the Sheffield Star has reported that their initial offer for the player has been unsuccessful.
Transfer Update on Ike Ugbo
The Sheffield Star also mentions that both Stoke and Birmingham are closely monitoring Ugbo’s situation, even though the striker prioritizes a return to Wednesday. If Sheffield Wednesday fails to agree on a fee with Troyes, they risk losing Ugbo to other clubs.
The exact fee desired by the French side is unclear, but with Troyes relegated to the third tier last season, their negotiating position is weakened, despite Ugbo being under contract until the summer of 2026.
Ike Ugbo Could Thrive Under Danny Rohl at Sheffield Wednesday
At just 25, Ugbo’s move to Wednesday marked the ninth club of his career, excluding Chelsea, where he trained but did not play. This suggests a need for stability, which Ugbo likely seeks by pushing to stay with Wednesday, given last season’s success.
Rohl’s management and tactical approach maximized Ugbo’s potential, enabling him to deliver some of the best performances of his career. The German coach tailored the team’s play to Ugbo’s strengths, making him a constant threat with his movement and pace, and ensuring he capitalized on key opportunities.
This impressive form has not gone unnoticed, attracting interest from Birmingham and Stoke, which pressures Wednesday to finalize the deal swiftly.
Understanding the Interest in Ike Ugbo
Ultimately, this situation may come down to finances. If Sheffield Wednesday does not meet the required fee for Ugbo, clubs like Stoke or Birmingham could step in to sign him.
Given the scarcity of reliable goalscorers on the market, Ugbo’s potential to be prolific at this level makes him an appealing target. Although Birmingham is in League One, the ambition and financial strength of their owners make them a competitive option. Meanwhile, Stoke aims to progress under Steven Schumacher, adding to their appeal.
The situation is likely to develop rapidly in the coming days and weeks, making it intriguing to see which club will secure a deal with Troyes for Ugbo first.