Sheffield Wednesday could be poised to bring back former striker Ike Ugbo, as recent developments suggest his time at Troyes may be coming to an end. Ugbo, 25, has been omitted from Troyes’ pre-season squad, hinting at a likely departure.

Last season, Ugbo was loaned out, first to Cardiff City and then to Sheffield Wednesday, where he played a crucial role in helping the Owls retain their Championship status. His performances at Hillsborough, where he netted seven goals in 19 appearances, have attracted interest from several clubs.

Although Troyes were initially relegated to the third tier of French football, they were later reinstated to Ligue 2 due to AC Ajaccio’s financial issues. Nevertheless, Ugbo seems set to move on, with both Stoke City and Birmingham City reportedly keen on acquiring the forward. The Star has reported that Sheffield Wednesday have had an initial bid for Ugbo turned down.

Despite the setback, the Owls remain eager to bring Ugbo back to Hillsborough. The club has been active in the transfer market, recently securing the signing of Nathaniel Chalobah, who spoke highly of Ugbo in his first interview. Chalobah, a former Chelsea teammate of Ugbo, revealed that their conversation influenced his decision to join Sheffield Wednesday. “I spoke to Ike Ugbo, someone I’ve known from my time at Chelsea. His reference was enough to put me in the right frame of mind,” Chalobah said.

Ugbo, a product of Chelsea’s academy, had his first loan spell at Wednesday’s local rivals Barnsley, where he scored twice in 18 appearances. His potential return to Sheffield Wednesday would be a significant boost for the club as they aim to strengthen their squad for the upcoming Championship season.