Ipswich Town face decision after player's Sheffield United nightmare | OneFootball

Chiedozie Ogbene's loan spell with Sheffield United from Ipswich Town hasn't gone to plan, with injuries restricting the impact he could make.

Ipswich Town are fighting to secure an immediate return to the Premier League, and the outcome of their promotion race is going to dictate what happens in the summer.

We all know the riches that come with reaching the top flight, so it’s a massive few weeks ahead for the football club, and when Ipswich's fate is sealed, calls will be made over who is needed to be part of the squad.

However, there are a few players contracted to Ipswich that face an uncertain future no matter what happens in their promotion push, with Chiedozie Ogbene falling into that category.

Chiedozie Ogbene has endured tough luck with injuries

Ipswich paid around £8m to sign Ogbene from Luton in the summer of 2024, and, on paper, it looked like a smart signing.

The Ireland international was a success story for the Hatters during their season in the Premier League, as he caused major problems with his pace, physicality and direct style down the right flank.

So, Kieran McKenna viewed Ogbene as someone who could give Ipswich something different in attack, whether it was from the start, or as an impact sub against tired defenders.

Yet, an Achilles injury restricted Ogbene to just five appearances for the Tractor Boys in the Premier League as they were relegated.

That was hugely frustrating, and with serious investment still going into the Suffolk outfit despite their relegation, Ogbene found himself down the pecking order on his return to fitness.

With Kasey McAteer and Sindre Walle Egeli brought in for a near £30m combined, McKenna was always going to give those two opportunities to play, so a loan move to Sheffield United was sorted for Ogbene, who clearly needed minutes.

The start of the season was chaotic for the Blades, as Ruben Selles, the man who signed Ogbene, was dismissed, with Chris Wilder returning to Bramall Lane.

Sadly for Ogbene, a major injury would once again hinder his progress, as he suffered a hamstring issue when away with Ireland during their memorable victory in Hungary.

That kept the 28-year-old out for a few months, and whilst he has returned to action, Ogbene’s campaign hasn’t really got going, and Wilder has already admitted he has one eye on next season, so it’s hard to imagine he will be used much during the run-in.

Ipswich Town facing Chiedozie Ogbene dilemma this summer

Therefore, it feels inevitable Ogbene will return to Portman Road this summer, with two years left on the contract he signed in 2024.

Given his injury issues, Ipswich are not going to find a buyer for anywhere near the £8m they paid. So, do they cut their losses? Do they send him out on loan again knowing he could return to the club with just 12 months on his deal?

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These are the questions facing Ipswich, and there may be some who feel Ogbene deserves a chance.

He may not have pulled up any trees for Sheffield United, but those who saw Ogbene for Ireland, both in the November internationals and last month, will see someone who can cause problems with his physical attributes, and there’s no doubting his work-rate, which is relentless.

Realistically, it’s hard to see Ipswich keeping Ogbene if they win promotion, but another year in the Championship could give him an opportunity to force his way in, as sales may be required to balance the books somewhat.

So, even though his focus will currently be on Sheffield United, you can be sure Ogbene will have an eye on developments at Ipswich, and, after two years of injury hell, he will be hoping for clarity on his future as early as possible going into the summer window.