Derby County warned against 'backwards' Ipswich Town transfer | OneFootball

FLW's Derby County fan pundit has explained why Chiedozie Ogbene would not be a good signing

Derby County enjoyed a strong second season back in the Championship as they just narrowly missed out on a play-off place.

The Rams finished eighth, four points adrift of sixth place Hull City, who went on to win promotion under Sergej Jakirovic.

And a top eight finish next season will now be enough to contend for a place in the Premier League themselves, as the play-offs are expanding to include two more teams in 2026/27.

The Derbyshire outfit have secured the permanent signing of Bobby Clark already this summer, after he spent the previous campaign on loan at Pride Park.

Filip Bilbija and Charlie Taylor have also joined as free agents, with the club having until 1 September to complete any other deals.

Derby have been linked with a possible move for Ipswich Town forward Chiedozie Ogbene, as well as a move to bring Sammie Szmodics back, but no agreement has yet been reached.

Derby County warned against Chiedozie Ogbene signing

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When asked about the prospect of signing Ogbene, FLW’s Derby fan pundit Shaun Woodward claimed that the club would be better off trying to get Ben Brereton Diaz back into the team after his loan spell at Pride Park last season.

He believes that Sheffield United’s interest in the Chile international is telling because they had the Ipswich star on loan last season, which just goes to show that they feel Brereton Diaz is an upgrade.

“Ogbene is definitely not an upgrade on Brereton Diaz,” Woodward told Football League World.

“I’m not convinced by him at all.

“I think the last two or three seasons his form has been poor, he’s not really settled wherever he’s been.

“The fact that Sheffield United are rumoured to be after Brereton Diaz says a lot, really, because they’ve had Ogbene last season.

“So they clearly don’t think he is at the level they need to move forward.

“So, for me, that says it all.”

Derby offered alternative route to Chiedozie Ogbene deal

Woodward believes that there are better alternatives out there to Brereton Diaz than Ogbene, urging the Rams to consider all options before pursuing the Ireland international.

“If they’re after Brereton Diaz, and happy to let Ogbene go, then clearly if we’re losing Brereton Diaz and taking Ogbene it’s a step backwards.

“So, not for me.

“I think there are much better players out there [who are] four or five years younger, or have got a better track record at this level.

“I would be inclined to stay away from this one.”

Ogbene joined Sheffield United last summer following his return from a lengthy spell on the sidelines through injury.

The 29-year-old made just 13 appearances in the Championship for the Blades last season, contributing only one goal and one assist as Chris Wilder’s side finished 13th in the table.

He has since returned to Portman Road, where the Tractor Boys are preparing for life in the Premier League.

Ogbene is unlikely to feature in Gary O’Neill’s plans for the first team squad next season, which could open the door for another loan, or perhaps a permanent exit.

It remains to be seen whether Derby will sign Ogbene, with the club also keen on bringing Szmodics back to Pride Park after his loan spell in 2025/26.

The Ireland international contributed three goals and one assist from 13 appearances in the league for Eustace’s side.

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Chiedozie Ogbene loan would be underwhelming for Derby

Ogbene has suffered with injury issues in the last few seasons, which has seen his form decline as a result.

The forward hasn’t hit the same heights as when he was at Luton Town, and it would be a risk for Derby to take him on even as a loan.

If Ogbene could get back to his best, then there’s no doubt he’d be a top talent for any Championship side, but he may never get there again.

While his best performances have come at international level in the last couple of years, the intensity of the Championship and inconsistency of his availability has led to him struggling at club level.