Sheffield Wednesday sporting director Simon Wilson has revealed that Ike Ugbo asked to leave the club this summer following a loan move to Cypriot outfit Apollon Limassol.
Initially joining on loan from French club Troyes, seven goals in 18 appearances were enough to convince the Owls to pay £2.5 million to land the 27-year-old’s services on a full-time basis. However, the striker has failed to convert that form since.
Ugbo has failed to score in the league since arriving on a permanent deal in a run that stretches back over two years. He fell out of favour under boss Henrik Pedersen last season and made just three league appearances since the turn of 2026.
“A Fresh Start”
The former Barnsley loanee had been training away from the first team group throughout pre-season. It was revealed last month that he was working on an individual programme, leading to speculation that a Hillsborough exit was on the cards.
These rumours intensified following the pursuit of Hull City’s Mason Burstow, who’s arrival was confirmed earlier this week. News of Apollon Limassol’s interest also emerged on Thursday, and a one-year loan spell with the Europa Conference League participants has now been announced.
Following the announcement, sporting director Wilson confirmed that Ugbo had asked for a move away:
“After a difficult period, Ike asked the club to facilitate a fresh start this summer, with the objective getting back to his best for the benefit of himself and the club.
“We have worked collaboratively together throughout the off season to identify the right opportunity and believe we have secured something we are all happy with. We all go into this next chapter with positivity and optimism, and wish Ike well.”
Could Ugbo Return Next Season?
Ugbo is under contract at Sheffield Wednesday until 2028 and there appears to be no indication as to whether his loan at Limassol includes and option or obligation to buy. As such, he is set to return to Hillsborough next summer.
Wilson’s words do hint that he could still have a future at the club. It is stated that the deal has been made with “the objective getting back to his best for the benefit of himself and the club.”
A return to form in Cyprus is obviously the best scenario for all involved. This would give the South Yorkshire-based club a decision to make next summer but would also strengthen their hand should they decide to sell.
It is claimed that £2 million of the £2.5 million fee that was agreed with Troyes is still outstanding. The hope will be to recoup as much of that as possible rather than lose the player for free a year later.
