Ipswich Town told Sheffield United transfer should have been avoided

Ipswich Town’s return to the Championship has been far from smooth, with Kieran McKenna’s side struggling to find their footing in the early weeks of the season. Tipped by many to be among the frontrunners for promotion back to the Premier League, the Tractor Boys are instead winless after four matches – recording three draws and a defeat.

The drop from the top flight always brings upheaval, and Ipswich were no exception. Several key players departed for sizeable fees, including Liam Delap, Omari Hutchinson, and Nathan Broadhead. On top of that, no fewer than 11 other players exited Portman Road in the summer, forcing McKenna to shuffle his options and find a new balance.

One of the most surprising moves came in the shape of Chiedozie Ogbene’s loan switch to Sheffield United. The winger, who featured in Ipswich’s opening two league fixtures, was allowed to join a side who themselves have endured a nightmare start under Ruben Selles, sitting rock bottom of the Championship.

The decision has sparked debate among Ipswich supporters, with some frustrated at strengthening what could still be considered a promotion rival.

According to Ipswich Town fan pundit Adam Wilkin, the club’s thinking was heavily influenced by Ogbene’s latest Achilles tendon setback, an injury that has plagued the Republic of Ireland international throughout his career.

Speaking to Football League World, Wilkin said:

“There was lots of talk at the start of this summer about Ogbene being like a new signing, and a lot of hype around how he could give us something different down the right-hand side. But when the Achilles problem flared up again, the club clearly felt they couldn’t take the risk. It’s left him facing another lengthy spell out, and you can understand why they sanctioned the move.”

With Wes Burns also working his way back to fitness from a long-term injury, Ipswich still have cover on the wing, but Wilkin admits the loss of Ogbene’s pace and direct running is a blow.

What rankles most with Ipswich fans is the destination. Loaning a player to Sheffield United, another club that dropped out of the Premier League last season, has raised eyebrows. Despite their current struggles, the Blades have the resources and squad depth to turn things around, and Ogbene – when fit – could yet prove a valuable addition to their campaign.

Wilkin, though, is less convinced Sheffield United will mount a serious charge:

“I don’t see them as genuine promotion contenders right now. Selles has them playing without confidence and they look miles off it. But even so, I would have preferred Ogbene to go elsewhere – abroad, or to a mid-table side. Letting him join the Blades feels like unnecessary risk.”

In the end, Ipswich Town’s decision seems to have been shaped by pragmatism rather than ambition. Ogbene’s injury history made him a liability, and with other wide players returning, the club chose to move him on.

However, should Sheffield United recover form and Ogbene regain fitness, Ipswich could live to regret letting him join a club who might yet be in direct competition come the spring. For now, the Tractor Boys must focus on finding momentum themselves, or else risk a long and disappointing season back in the second tier.

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