Sheffield Wednesday striker Ike Ugbo appears to be edging closer to an exit, with a host of clubs interested in a loan deal, according to various reports. 

The 27-year-old has long been expected to depart Hillsborough this summer after falling out of favour with manager Henrik Pedersen. He initially joined the club on loan from French outfit Troyes in early 2024, where seven goals in 18 appearances were enough to convince the Owls to fork out £2.5 million to make the deal a permanent one.

It’s been far from plain sailing since. Ugbo has failed to score in league action since and has featured just three times since the turn of the year.

Ugbo Set For Fresh Start

The nine-time Canadian international has been partaking in an individual training plan away from the first team group throughout pre-season. Pedersen was questioned on the situation at the weekend, where he stated that a plan will be drawn up in due course:

“He is training and I expect to see him again when we come back.

“We will be doing some testing on him again and we will evaluate this and make a plan for him.”

It appears as if a move away from the club is now on the cards though. According to Kirkida, via The Star, Apollon Limassol are exploring a loan deal for the upcoming season. This would give Ugbo a shot at European football, with the Cypriot top flight side having comfortably progressed the Conference League third qualifying round earlier this month.

Journalist Darren Witcoop has further backed up the report, although states that EFL clubs are also keen.

Replacement Already Lined Up

With Ugbo’s departure looking increasingly likely, it’s no surprise that a striker is already being lined up by Wednesday. Mason Burstow’s arrival at Hillsborough is expected imminently, which is also expected to be a loan deal.

The 22-year-old enjoyed an excellent spell with Bolton Wanderers last season, scoring 12 times as the Trotters secured promotion to the Championship. With parent club Hull City moving up to the Premier League, another temporary exit was always likely, and it is widely expected that he will complete a move to South Yorkshire.

Burstow is likely to represent the final piece of the jigsaw for Pedersen in what has already been a hugely successful transfer window for the Owls. They have already secured the services of the likes of Louie Barry, Billy Mitchell, Sil Swinkels and club legend Barry Bannan, whilst the highly rated Harry Gray has joined on loan from Leeds United.