Sheffield Wednesday have placed Rotherham United forward Chiedozie Ogbene on their radar ahead of the summer transfer window. The Owls will be in the market for several new players after ending their two-year exile from the Championship.
According to BBC Radio Sheffield reporter Rob Staton, Wednesday would love to poach Ogbene on a free transfer. Darren Moore isn’t the only manager keen on the player, however, with a glut of clubs thought to be in the mix to sign the player.
Wednesday definitely need some options to bolster their attack. Ogbene has developed into a quality player at the New York Stadium having signed for the club from Brentford in 2019.
The 26-year-old enjoyed a decent campaign during 2022/23. He scored nine goals and registered four assists from 42 appearances as Rotherham avoided relegation back to League One.
Ogbene is a regular in the Republic of Ireland setup these days too. He’s made 14 appearances for the nation, scoring four goals along the way.
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Wednesday are joined in this particular race by two of their fierce rivals from last season. Plymouth and Ipswich won automatic promotion to the Championship and they’re both keen on the winger.
Wednesday want Ogbene and history could repeat itself
Rotherham must be growing tired of Wednesday. Last summer the Owls took Michael Ihiekwe and Michael Smith from the Millers and their fans might be getting a sense of deja vu.
Ogbene would be a great signing on a free transfer. He now has over 50 appearances in the Championship under his belt and at 26, he’s approaching his prime.
Republic of Ireland boss Stephen Kenny was delighted with the player back in March. He called him ‘spectacular’ after the winger scored in a 2-2 draw against Belgium.
Wednesday will have to cut their cloth accordingly still this summer. As a result, landing Ogbene on a free transfer would make absolutely perfect sense.
Rumour rating: 8/10 – If it comes to a choice between Wednesday, Ipswich and Plymouth, surely there is only one place that Ogbene is going.
The player typically operated through the middle either as a striker or an attacking midfielder during 2022/23. He can also play out wide and that versatility could make him a very useful asset to Wednesday.