Ike Ugbo's Sheffield Wednesday situation: How Henrik Pedersen really feels about it | OneFootball

Henrik Pedersen has spoken out on Iké Ugbo's struggles in front of goal, as well as what the future holds for the Owls striker.

Sheffield Wednesday have already had their relegation from the Championship confirmed this season, but there's still plenty to play for, as players look to fight for their future at the club.

One player who will be more eager than most in Henrik Pedersen's squad to impress the Owls boss is Iké Ugbo, who hasn't scored a league goal in almost two years.

The former Chelsea youngster signed for Sheffield Wednesday back in 2024 after catching the eye in an impressive loan spell in the season beforehand.

In that loan spell during the 2023/24 campaign, Ugbo netted seven league goals in 18 appearances in the Championship, which prompted the Owls to make his loan spell from French side, Troyes, a permanent one.

However, that permanent switch to Hillsborough hasn't gone as either Ugbo and the club would have originally hoped for, and his lack of goals have come under fire from some sections of the Sheffield Wednesday fanbase.

Owls boss issues update on Ugbo

Ugbo has made 21 appearances for Sheffield Wednesday this season, as well as 34 in last year's league campaign, but he's failed to score a single league goal, which will be a real concern for the 27-year-old.

His most recent goal came against Bolton Wanderers in the EFL Cup earlier this season, but Ugbo's confidence is clearly low in front of goal.

Speaking to The Star, Sheffield Wednesday boss, Henrik Pedersen issued an update on Ugbo, and is hoping that the forward can play his part for the Owls between now and the end of the season.

“Yes, we are doing all that we can to support and help, and he works what he can. So, let's see.

“We have to use the last seven games to do it as good as possible for him. So, yes, let’s see. We will use all the players we have in the squad; also Iké.”

Ugbo's long-term future uncertainty

Sheffield Wednesday still owe Troyes in the region of £2million for the deal to bring Ugbo to Hillsborough originally, although it remains to be seen as to when the finances in that agreement will be finalised.

Ugbo is contracted with the Championship club until the summer of 2028, but like any Sheffield Wednesday player, his future remains unclear given the current ownership situation.

The Owls are still under control of the administrators, although it seems as though David Storch's takeover of the club is edging closer heading towards the conclusion of this season.

The club were relegated into League One after a defeat to Sheffield United earlier this year, which summed up what has been a forgetful season both on and off the pitch, with former owner, Dejphon Chansiri's mismanagement of the club hampering any sort of progress they were looking to make on the pitch.

Sheffield Wednesday are set to return to action in the Championship on Friday 3rd April, as they take on Stoke City, in what is likely to be a tough test for the Owls and Ugbo, as he looks to end his lengthy wait without a goal.