Sheffield Wednesday may be handed a huge boost in their bid to make Ike Ugbo’s move permanent this summer.
Ike Ugbo joined Sheffield Wednesday on loan from Troyes in January, having had his stay at Cardiff City cut short.
The striker only managed four goals during his time in Wales, but is now the Owls’ top scorer after netting six goals in 12 games.
Various reports have claimed that Danny Rohl’s side are keen to make the deal permanent if they stay in the Championship this season, though finances could make it difficult for them.
Ugbo still has two years remaining on his contract, so the French outfit are under no pressure to sell – or at least for a low fee. The Canadian joined Troyes for around £2.5 million, but his current form may push that up this summer.
Sheffield Wednesday haven’t splashed seven figures on a player since they bought Joost van Aken in 2017, though reports did claim earlier this season that Dejphon Chansiri was prepared to spend big on a striker – a promise that he hasn’t committed to yet.
The Owls may not have to cough up too much cash this summer though, with The Star reporting that he may be available for cheaper than expected.
Troyes could potentially face back-to-back relegations after dropping down to Ligue 2 last season.
The French club now sit 15th in the second division and are two points above the relegation zone, after new rules in French football came in this season that now means four teams will be relegated rather than three.
The previous rules would have meant Troyes sat five points clear, but things are now much tighter and could face dropping down to the third tier.
If this happens then it will surely mean Troyes have to sell Ugbo for a much lower price tag – allowing Sheffield Wednesday to snatch him up for an affordable fee.
A decreased price tag means more competition
If this happened, then it would be unlikely that the Championship club would be the only ones chasing his signature though.
Ugbo’s stellar performances at Hillsborough won’t have gone unnoticed, but you would think that they would have the advantage over other sides.
The 25-year-old looks to be really enjoying his time under Danny Rohl after struggling in front of goal for a number of years, and it could be risky jumping ship when he is already well settled here.
Of course, this could all depend on where Sheffield Wednesday are going into next season, because Ugbo is unlikely to be playing League One football.