He’s being released by Sheffield Wednesday this summer, now Steve Bruce and Darren Moore can offer him a lifeline
One Sheffield Wednesday player is a man in demand, with two former Owls bosses keen to grab his signature.Â
The experienced centre-half Michael Ihiekwe spent three seasons at Hillsborough having signed in a sensational double-swoop from neighbours Rotherham United alongside Michael Smith.
The pair played monumental roles in their promotion from League One into the Championship and despite a long period out of the side, Ihiekwe battled his way back in to become one of the foremost performers in the second half of last season.
It didn’t prove enough for him to earn a fresh contract, however, and he was included on the club’s released list earlier this month.
The Star reported in the moments after that confirmation that he was the subject of interest from a number of League One clubs.
Darren Moore and Steve Bruce could offer Michael Ihiekwe a lifeline
The experienced defender, released by Sheffield Wednesday, is attracting interest from Blackpool and Port Vale, managed by former Wednesday bosses Steve Bruce and Darren Moore respectively, as well as Huddersfield Town and at least one other Championship club.
Ihiekwe’s popularity at Hillsborough was immense, a key figure in their League One promotion in 2023, his committed and commanding performances endeared him to the Wednesday faithful.
He was seen as a leader in the dressing room and consistently gave his all, even battling back into the team after being told he could find a new club in January 2025.
This resilience and his adaptability across the backline earned him rave reviews from fans and manager Danny Röhl alike.
His impressive form culminated in a nomination for the Championship Player of the Month for March 2025.
During this period, Ihiekwe was a rock in Wednesday’s defence, contributing crucial goals in a 3-2 away win against Norwich City and a 1-1 draw with Cardiff City.
His performances were pivotal in helping Wednesday navigate a challenging part of the season, showcasing his impact despite the earlier uncertainty surrounding his future at the club.
Ihiekwe is not the only key figure whose time could be up at Sheffield Wednesday with manager Danny Rohl’s future also uncertain.
Michael Ihiekwe’s statistics during his time at Sheffield Wednesday
Ihiekwe’s journey with Sheffield Wednesday began in the summer of 2022, arriving from Rotherham United as a free agent.
His debut for the Owls came on July 30th of that year in a 3-3 draw against Portsmouth. During the 2022/23 League One campaign, he played in 20 league fixtures, alongside appearances in cup competitions.
However, his season was disrupted by knee ligament damage sustained in December 2022, forcing him to the sidelines until his return to the squad in April 2023. He then played his part as Sheffield Wednesday secured promotion to the Championship via the playoffs.
