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Chelsea Academy’s 18-year-old striker Ike Ugbo has become the 14th 2017-18 Loan Army member after joining Championship side Barnsley on loan for the season.
Academy forward Ike Ugbo is heading to the Championship on loan...https://t.co/d1gmXoWV0k
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 17, 2017
️ | We are delighted to announce that Ike Ugbo has joined the Reds from @ChelseaFC! #COYR pic.twitter.com/rYLGXc6GpN
— Barnsley FC (@bfc_official) July 17, 2017
Like Dominic Solanke and Tammy Abraham before him, Ugbo has been prolific at the youth level and has helped propel Chelsea’s various academy sides to no less than five trophies. Last season, he scored 25 goals in 40 appearances in all competitions and was also a part of the England side that won the Toulon Tournament this summer.
Last season, Barnsley finished 14th in the Championship and often lined up featuring Newcastle United prospect Adam Armstrong up front, although Armstrong had previously proved himself in lower leagues.
Think so, elements of Tammy to Bristol C about it. Young, progressive team hoping to do things the right way. Finished 14th last season. https://t.co/Eikzjn0m2R
— Chelsea Youth (@chelseayouth) July 17, 2017
Barnsley’s 39-year-old manager, Paul Heckingbottom expressed his enthusiasm regarding the Ugbo’s arrival at the club.
“We’re really pleased at being able to bring one of the brightest young strikers out there to Oakwell and of course we must thank Chelsea for allowing us to do so. I am really excited about what Ike can bring to the team. He is a forward who has pace, height, strength and power as well as a keen eye for goal as is shown by his record. He fits into the mould of players that we’re looking for; someone who wants to better themselves and further their career so we are more than happy that he has chosen to continue that development with us.”
- Paul Heckingbottom; source: Barnsley FC
This move does indeed have the looks of that of Tammy Abraham’s to Bristol City last summer, and hopefully it’ll go just as well. Good luck, Ike!
Read all about new signing Ike Ugbo as he joins on loan for the season from @ChelseaFC!
— Barnsley FC (@bfc_official) July 17, 2017
https://t.co/Wh8WpUkgkM pic.twitter.com/KS4jiKSftn