Ike Ugbo has reacted to Ian Poveda’s move to Sunderland.
The pair joined Sheffield Wednesday in the January transfer window and both made a positive impact as they helped the club avoid relegation.
Ugbo netted seven goals during his time at Hillsborough, while Poveda was hailed as ‘magic’ for his performances in blue and white.
Wednesday made it clear that they wanted to re-sign both attackers, but have now missed out on the latter.
Poveda was announced as a Sunderland player yesterday, after signing a three-year contract following his release from Leeds United at the end of the season.
Despite missing out on the winger, the Owls remain eager to bring Ugbo back to the club.
The Canadian reportedly favours a return to Yorkshire, but Wednesday face heavy competition and may have to stump up their bid if they are to sign him.
While Ugbo is patiently waiting for Wednesday to come calling, he has now shared his frustration that his former teammate hasn’t made his own return.
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Ugbo vents disappointment at Poveda’s move to Sunderland
Sunderland confirmed Poveda’s arrival on Instagram yesterday, to which Ugbo replied: “Povzz !!!🥺”
While he didn’t say much, the sad emoji made it very clear that the striker was unhappy that Poveda had decided to move to Wearside.
The 24-year-old responded to Ugbo with: “My bro”.
Missing out on Poveda isn’t the end of the world for Sheffield Wednesday
Missing out on Poveda is obviously a huge disappointment, but his return was probably one of the least important.
The winger made a real impact at Hillsborough, however he did fail to score and managed only ten appearances due to injury – featuring only three times in the last two months of the season.
Poveda’s injury record would have been a major concern for Wednesday, and having already brought in Jamal Lowe, the need to bring him back became less important.
Ugbo, on the other hand, could be much more vital to the club.
His goals made a huge difference last season and he could well be the driving force that helps Wednesday reach the play-offs next term.
The Owls will have to pay seven figures to sign him, but he is unlikely to be anymore expensive than any proven goal-scorer in the Championship, while they already have the advantage that he actually wants to return.
If the club now fail to land him, it could be a very big challenge to replace him without spending big.