Ipswich Town sanctioned a loan exit for winger Chiedozie Ogbene in the summer transfer window. The Irishman had not long returned from a long-term injury, and with Kasey McAteer and Sindre Walle Egeli signed, ITFC had plenty of depth on the right.

A temporary switch to Sheffield United looked like a good one for all. The Blades held hopes of pushing for promotion, but amid their dismal start, loan man Ogbene picked up a hamstring injury that he has only just returned from.

It has prompted questions over the 28-year-old’s future, with some reports stating he was not part of Chris Wilder’s plans. However, speaking ahead of the clash between Ipswich Town and Sheffield United this weekend, Tractor Boys boss Kieran McKenna insisted he has had no contact from the Blades over Ogbene’s future.

“No, it’s not been communicated at all,” he said (as quoted by TWTD). “Hopefully we’ll get to catch up with him on Saturday, but there’s no change in the status there.”

Sheffield United are going through a lot of change this winter. They’re working hard to undo the failings of a dismal summer transfer window, and that has already seen some loan players moved on.

While Louie Barry and Ben Godfrey saw their deals terminated, Ogbene has remained. That would at least indicate that Wilder is more open to keeping the Ipswich Town loanee than some reports have suggested.

Injury came at a bad time, but Ogbene will be determined to prove he still has plenty to offer his loan club. He has proven to be a success at Championship level, offering a dangerous threat on the right-hand side.

He was back on the bench against Southampton in midweek. Of course though, he will be ineligible to face parent club ITFC this weekend.

Why Chiedozie Ogbene will likely stay at Sheffield United

McKenna’s latest update indicates that Sheffield United aren’t planning action on Ogbene’s loan. And, it does feel most likely that he remains.

Ipswich Town certainly won’t be keen on a return. The winger has already played for two clubs this season, so unless he moves abroad to a league with a schedule that doesn’t overlap with the Championship, he can not play for another.

Ogbene is more likely to get opportunities at Bramall Lane. McKenna has Egeli, McAteer and now the fit-again Wes Burns as options on the right.

As the Blades battle to turn their season around, Ogbene can be someone of value. He offers electric pace and smart attacking instincts, serving as a constant headache for full-backs while showing a willingness to come inside and attack the box as well.