Blades Announce Loan Deal For Experienced Versatile Winger | OneFootball

Sheffield United have completed the deadline day capture of Republic of Ireland international Chiedozie Ogbene, securing the winger on a season-long loan from Ipswich Town.

The 28-year-old becomes the latest addition to Ruben Selles’ squad and brings with him pace, energy, and versatility, all those qualities the Blades have been missing in their attacking play so far this campaign.

Chiedozie Ogbene Speaks For First Time As A Blade

Speaking after sealing the move, Ogbene expressed his pride at joining United on SUTV:

“It is an honour to be at a great club. I’ve lived here for four years, so I like to think I know what this club means to the people and the city. It is a huge honour to be here. I have a feeling about what Sheffield United means to the people, so to be part of it now and to be immersed into this club which has over 130 years of incredible history, and has a passionate fanbase, it is something I want to be part of.

“Sheffield is almost like my second home in England and given the stature it was one I had to take. It is an opportunity you don’t pass up on. The team, the ethos of the team, is a hard-working team, a community-driven team that never gives up and that’s what I am as a player and that’s what I believe in. It matches all my beliefs.”

What Does Chiedozie Ogbene Add to Sheffield United?

Chiedozie Ogbene in action for Luton Town. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Ogbene’s arrival provides United with a dynamic option in the wide areas. Known for his searing pace and direct running, he is equally capable of operating as an orthodox winger or slotting into a right wing-back role in a back five.

Selles has been searching for more thrust in attack, particularly down the right flank, with the Blades struggling to create clear chances in their opening fixtures. Ogbene’s ability to stretch defences should inject much-needed energy and urgency into United’s attack.

The winger made his name with Rotherham United, where his explosive performances earned him a move to Luton Town in the Premier League, netting four goals and providing an assist in the top flight in the 2023/24 campaign. Upon Luton’s relegation back to the Championship, Ipswich Town acquired his services in the Premier League. However, an Achilles injury last season halted his progress, and with opportunities limited at Ipswich, the Tractor Boys have sanctioned a loan move to Bramall Lane in the hope Ogbene can rediscover his best form.

This marks the fifth loan signing of Sheffield United’s window (Tyler Bindon, Ben Godfrey, Djibril Soumare and Louie Barry being the other loan players).

The Blades can sign as many loan players as they want, though they will be mindful due to the EFL rules stating they can only name a maximum of five loans in a matchday squad. Of course, this is something they contended with at the back end of last season, where fans were critical of the club about the lack of forward planning beyond the season, because of the acquisition of a plethora of loan players.

Unitedites will remain focused on their phones for the next hour or so of the transfer window in hope that Gustavo Hamer remains at the club.