Who is Sheffield United linked Chiedozie Ogbene? | OneFootball

Transfer deadline day looms and Sheffield United don’t seem to be done. Alex Matos’ move to the Blades is set to be announced tomorrow according to Luca Bendoni.

The wings still remain a much needed addition area for the Blades squad. The latest from Andy Giddings is that the Blades have entered discussions with Ipswich. With the view to take Chiedozie Ogbene on loan.

So as always who is Chiedozie Ogbene. Where has he been before? How is he doing currently and what could he bring Bramall Lane.

Youth days

Chiedozie Ogbene was born in Lagos, Nigeria on 1 May 1997. In 2005, he moved to Ireland after his father accepted a job in the country. A decision that would see Ogbene become Ireland’s first African born international down the line.

Not long after moving to Ireland, specifically an area near Cork, a young Ogbene began playing Gaelic football with Nemo Rangers. Whilst, playing football for Tramore Athletic. After Tramore folded Ogbene found himself in the squads of College Corinthians, Kilreen Celtic and Everton (no not the David Moyes one).

He would then join up with the Cork City in August 2015. The move saw him move away from Nemo Rangers and Gaelic football, a sport he was also a great prospect in.

Cork City

In 2015, Ogbene made one appearance for Cork City. But it was in his second year in the 2016 Irish Premier Division where he showed early signs of quality. Eight appearances in the Irish Premier saw him score three goals. He also made one appearance in the FAI Cup campaign that saw Cork City win the competition.

Limerick

Not one to be slowed down. Ogbene made a move to Limerick in January 2017. The move saw him flourish. In the Irish Premier he managed a goal every four games, getting eight goals in 32 league matches. As Limerick finished 7th in the Irish Premier Division.

Brentford

In January 2018, Ogbene joined Brentford in the Championship for an undisclosed fee. He would have to wait nearly three months for his debut. He played 23 minutes in Brentford’s 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.

In the remainder of his time at Brentford, he would go on to make a total of nine appearances. During his time with the Bees he moved on loan to Exeter City in August 2018.

Despite playing 18 times for the then League Two side. Ogbene managed just one assist.

Rotherham United

In August 2019, Ogbene made the permanent switch to Rotherham United in League One. Arguably the best spell of his career, Ogbene had four career defining years at the New York Stadium. If it wasn’t for them he perhaps wouldn’t have reached the Premier League.

His first season saw him contribute one goal and seven assists to Rotherham’s promotion to the Championship. With Paul Warne describing him as unplayable.

His career and by proxy Rotherham’s season was derailed by an injury the following season. He missed 155 days and 35 matches due to the knee injury. The 12 matches he did manage to play saw no goal contributions. An unfortunate time for the player.

Back in League One, he put the injury behind him. Playing 53 matches in all competitions only missing one game in the league. This led him to improve his previous third tier haul with four goals and eight assists. With him and Rotherham returning to the Championship again. Also, claiming an EFL Trophy along the way.

2022-2023 was Ogbene’s big year. The year that brought him to the attention of Luton Town. Eight goals and four assists in 39 Championship matches helped keep Rotherham United in the second tier.

Luton Town

Following the expiry of his Rotherham United contract, Ogbene moved to Premier League Luton Town.

Ogbene gave a decent account of himself in the Premier League especially for a first season at the level. Four goals and one assist in 30 games saw Ogbene contribute to nearly a tenth of Luton’s 52 goals scored that season. Despite being injured for the latter stages of the season after a hamstring injury whilst on international duty with Ireland.

Ogbene made 3 Championship appearances the following season before moving to Ipswich Town in August 2024.

Tractor Boy

Ogbene has been unlucky whilst in Suffolk. The injury spells of Rotherham and Luton were nothing compared to last season. The player missed 218 days of football or 32 games due to an Achilles tendon rupture between late October to June.

He had only played six matches for the Tractor boys by then.

This season, he seems to be back to fitness starting one league game and coming off the bench ion the other. As well as a decent showing against Bromley in the EFL Cup.

Ireland

Ogbene at the time of writing has made 24 appearances for Ireland. In that time he has scored four goals since making his debut on 8 August 2021.

In 2023, he was named Ireland’s senior Men’s International Player of the Year at the 34th FAI International Awards.

Takeaways

It’s hard to judge Ogbene as a potential signing for Sheffield United. The first thing to say is it makes sense that it’s a loan rumour rather than a permanent one. Yes, it’s annoying when a player isn’t yours and they do well. But in this case with his recent unfortunate injury spells, a permanent move could be a major gamble.

If Sheffield United got the Ogbene of Rotherham United it would be some signing. The reason for not over analysing those stats is that it was three years ago. Whilst, Ogbene was consistent and available then is he still the same player now.

What Ogbene offers in the EFL is a good playmaker who gets his assists. As well as chipping in with a few goals. A fast player that takes on his man during that Rotherham season he made 58 successful dribbles. Placing him in the 93rd percentile for that stat. It says something about his willingness to try and take on his man. Especially, when his success percentage was just 48.3%.

He was also a great nuisance for Rotherham United winning 88 fouls from the opposition defenders. A stat that not many forwards beat in the Championship that season.

Ultimately, it all comes down to the Ogbene that Sheffield United get. In a squad that should and seemingly is looking for depth. A player needs to be available. Even if it is to come off the bench.

Regardless of whether he signs for the Blades, hopefully Ogbene can put his injury issues behind him. If he can do that at the Lane, then even better.