Carlton Palmer backs Sheffield Wednesday ‘smart’ move for alternative Ike Ugbo

Fan favorites Barry Bannan and Liam Palmer have been linked with contracts for the new season, with Championship pedigree walking out the doors at Hillsborough, as well as former Premier League full-back Yan Valery.

However, one transfer target Wednesday struggled to sign after a successful loan spell is Canada international Ike Ugbo, who scored seven for the Owls in the 2023/24 campaign to help them survive.

Sheffield Wednesday have not long mourned the loss of Ugbo as they already have their replacement lined up.

Sheffield Wednesday’s Carlton Palmer targets Sory Kaba

Sheffield Wednesday target Sory Kaba at Las Palmas; he is best known in England for a positive loan spell with Cardiff City in 2022/23, in which he scored eight in 17 Championship games.

The Guinea international scored just once in the 2023/24 La Liga campaign for Las Palmas after joining last summer.

Speaking to Football League World about the Owls’ front line, Carlton Palmer said: “They need that focal point, Ugbo has been a brilliant signing for them and it’s a shame they can’t make it a permanent move.

“I think they need to bring in some forwards and that’s where Danny Rohl is looking. If Kaba is available for free, it could turn out to be a smart business.

“Sheffield Wednesday are doing their thing early and Danny Rohl is bringing in some quality players.”

Kaba could be the fifth arrival of the summer for Sheffield Wednesday, following the potential arrival of Svante Ingelsson, as Rohl looks to push the Owls into 2024/25.

Can Sory Kaba replace Ike Ugbo at Sheffield Wednesday

Kaba’s record in La Liga in the 2023/24 season makes pretty grim reading as he only managed to find the net once when he was denied by former Everton striker Sandro Ramirez.

However, what the 28-year-old should be judged on is his prolific spell with Cardiff City in the second half of the 2022/23 season, where he scored a prolific eight goals in 17 appearances.

Kaba provides an alternative attacking threat for Ugbo, with the forward standing at 6ft 3in.

Set pieces will be used by Rohl this season, especially after tying Bannan down to an extra year at the club.

It may take time for Wednesday to adjust to his style of play, which may be more akin to the likes of Lee Gregory, who was given limited playing time under Rohl last season, but if Kaba gains some confidence, he has score talent for fun.

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