Cardiff City welcome forward Iké Ugbo from ES Troyes AC on season-long loan

Cardiff City has confirmed their first summer signing, securing striker Iké Ugbo on a season-long loan from ES Troyes AC.

24-year-old Lewisham-born Ugbo, a product of Chelsea's youth system, has previously had loan stints at Barnsley, MK Dons, and Scunthorpe United, before gaining experience in Europe with Roda JC and Cercle Brugge.

In 2022, following a successful stint at Genk, he signed with Troyes, further broadening his experience. Internationally, after playing for England at the youth level, he chose to represent Canada, earning eight caps so far.

Speaking on his move to the Bluebirds, Ugbo said, “I’m very happy to be here. I’ve been waiting to come back to the English leagues for a while now and I’m really pleased that it’s finally over the line."

"For the team, I think we should push for the highest and try and get promoted. I think we shouldn’t short-change ourselves. There is great variety in the team, so I think we can do really good stuff this year. I can’t wait to finally put on the shirt and score my first goal for the Club," Ugbo further added.

Erol Bulut, the boss at Cardiff City, expressed his optimism regarding this new addition.

"Iké has shown what he can do over the last three years. When he was in Belgium he scored a lot of goals, and he did some very good things with Troyes as well," said Bulut.

He specifically praised Ugbo's 1v1 skills, heading, and finishing, suggesting that these strengths would address the team's scoring woes from last season.

Bulut concluded by expressing his satisfaction with securing Ugbo early in the season, allowing the striker to participate in pre-season preparations, which he believes will "bring a lot of positive things for him."