Ipswich Town loan ex-Rotherham United star Chiedozie Ogbene to Lincoln City after tough Sheffield United spell
Chiedozie Ogbene has made another loan move away from Ipswich Town after his season at Sheffield United
Ipswich Town have loaned Chiedozie Ogbene to Lincoln City following his tough season at Sheffield United.
The 29-year-old was lauded as a coup for the Blades when he was tied to a season-long loan deal during the last summer transfer window.
However, like many of his teammates, he found it difficult to find form and endured an underwhelming campaign. He also struggled with injury, something that has plagued him across recent years.
Ogbene managed just 13 appearances for the Blades, registering one goal and one assist, before returning to his parent club Ipswich.
The Tractor Boys were promoted from the Championship in his absence and a reintegration at Portman Road always appeared unlikely.
New loan move for winger after Sheffield United spell
He has now linked up with newly-promoted Championship outfit Lincoln, joining on a short-term loan deal in an attempt to get his career back on track. The Republic of Ireland is due to remain with the Imps until January.
Ogbene said: “I’m really excited to be here - I had a positive conversation with Chris Cohen and Tom Shaw and felt really wanted.
“This is a good opportunity and a great platform for myself to help the club, but the club can also help me. I’ve been around the Championship for a while, and I know it’s a physical league. We know how tough it can be and how it’s physically demanding.
“You need a team that can buy in and pull in the same direction. Looking at this team and this football club, and the success of last year, the mindset here mirrors what I want to do, and I really want to be part of it.
“I bring pace and power, I’m willing to work hard and I’m energetic. I’ve got experience as well, so I’d hope that I can make an impact for the team and help the team on both sides of the pitch.
“I’ve played across the front three before, right wing and right wing-back, so I’m versatile and I’m willing to give everything I have for this jersey.”
Chiedozie Ogbene’s career path
Ogbene was lured from his native Republic of Ireland by Brentford in 2018, only to find opportunities with the Bees limited.
It was Rotherham United who gave the wideman a chance to shine in England and he made 136 appearances for the club between 2019 and 2023.
Premier League moves to Luton Town and Ipswich followed in 2023 and 2024, but Ogbene’s stock has undeniably taken a hit in recent years.
Lincoln’s sporting director Jez George said: “We have tried to identify a player with Chieo’s profile for the wide right position in our team all summer, so we are delighted with this signing at the close of the window.
“In reality, we didn't anticipate being able to sign a player of Chieo’s calibre and pedigree, but these opportunities sometimes present themselves towards the transfer deadline, and this was one we had to take.
"Once this was a possibility, we moved quickly to do everything possible to convince Chieo that we are the right club for him. To have managed to sign him against far bigger and more established clubs in the Championship speaks volumes for how Chieo sees us and what he values most in this move.
“We know that he can have a massive impact for us, on and off the pitch, and we are delighted to secure him as our final signing of the summer. We would also like to thank Ipswich Town and Chieo’s representatives for their help in this process.”