David Storch’s first post-Sheffield Wednesday takeover transfer task is so clear | OneFootball

David Storch's Arise consortium have a number of tasks to sort out this summer post-takeover, but their first transfer task is so clear...

A fresh start is exactly what Sheffield Wednesday have been crying out for, and the proposed arrival of David Storch could finally signal the beginning of one at Hillsborough.

After years of turbulence under Dejphon Chansiri, the mood around Hillsborough has been one of frustration and stagnation for the most part. However, relegation to League One shows that they have actually declined and the scale of their demise.

A club of Wednesday’s size and support base is once again left to rebuild rather than compete, with few in English football having a more turbulent last year than the Owls. However, that in itself, presents both a challenge and an opportunity.

League One is unforgiving, but it also absolutely offers a platform to reset the culture, identity, and direction of this enormous football club. Storch completing a takeover will inherit a “sleeping giant” in every sense — and a club with the infrastructure, fanbase, and history to operate at a far higher level.

It's one that has been consistently held back by poor decision-making at ownership level, meaning there are some easy wins for him in the third tier next season, as Sheffield Wednesday supporters will naturally be encouraged by the prospect of change.

Ike Ugbo needs to be the first out of the door for Sheffield Wednesday

A new ownership group brings with it renewed optimism, and crucially, the chance to rebuild with a competent strategy. Recruitment will be central to that. Even if they begin the campaign with -15, Wednesday cannot afford to drift in League One.

Supporters will need to see that they are being proactive, decisive, and smart in the market to ensure they are building towards promotion. However, before any meaningful additions can be made, there are equally important decisions to be taken regarding the current squad.

Trimming underperforming assets and addressing past recruitment mistakes will be just as vital as bringing in fresh faces. It is here where Storch’s first major transfer call becomes glaringly obvious to many fans. Ike Ugbo’s situation stands out as one that simply cannot be ignored.

After enjoying a six-month loan spell with Wednesday in the second half of the 2023/24 season, scoring seven in 18 league games, Ugbo made the move to South Yorkshire on a permanent basis for £2.5 million from French side Troyes.

The Canadian striker has failed to deliver anything close to the level expected across two seasons since then. What once looked like a smart piece of business has instead become a costly misstep, with Ugbo struggling for consistency and confidence. That has impacted his output in the final third, too.

For a club now operating in League One, carrying that kind of financial weight for minimal return is far from ideal. Ugbo still has two years remaining on his deal, which complicates matters, but it also makes the need for decisive action even more pressing.

Wages around the £20,000 per week mark cannot be carried into the third tier for a team that has suffered from financial issues for some time now.

Allowing the situation to drift would only compound the issue and potentially tie up resources that could be better utilised elsewhere in the squad. Storch and Arise's task, therefore, is clear: facilitate an exit. Whether that comes in the form of a permanent sale or a loan with an option or obligation, the priority must be to move on.

Ike Ugbo's Sheffield Wednesday record

Ugbo has ultimately proven to be a failed investment. However, this is not solely about finances, either. From a footballing perspective, Wednesday need forwards who can be relied upon to contribute consistently if they are to overturn 15 points.

Carrying a striker low on confidence and form does little to serve that objective whatsoever. Making a firm decision on Ugbo would send an early message about the direction Storch intends to take the club to both fans and the existing playing squad.

It would demonstrate a willingness to confront difficult situations head-on and a commitment to ensuring that past mistakes do not continue to hinder future progress. The 27-year-old has nine goals and two assists in 81 games for Wednesday but eight of those 11 involvements came in his first half-season.

That is simply nowhere near good enough. If Sheffield Wednesday are to make the most of this new era, decisive leadership will be essential in situations like this. Moving on from Ugbo may not be the most glamorous start, but it is undoubtedly one of the most necessary this summer.