Blackpool have announced the signing of former Sheffield Wednesday defender Michael Ihiekwe on a free transfer.
The 32-year-old has been signed by the Tangerines on a three-year deal following the expiration of his contract at Sheffield Wednesday.
Ihiekwe played for Wednesday for three years after signing in 2022, playing 82 times and gaining promotion from League One to the Championship in 2023.
Blackpool announced this on the club’s website, stating that Ihiekwe joined the Tangerines on a three-year deal.
Manager Steve Bruce spoke on the signing of Ihiekwe, saying: “We are really pleased to have brought Michael in so early in the window, despite interest from elsewhere.”
How did Ihiekwe fare last season?
When available, Ihiekwe played a crucial role for Wednesday under manager Danny Rohl, helping the Owls reach a solid mid-table finish after a relegation battle the season before.
The 32-year-old spent a portion of the season out, missing 19 matches midway through the campaign. When available, Ihiekwe was a key player for Wednesday, making 22 appearances, scoring twice, and helping the Owls secure a mid-table finish.
Ihiekwe made three more appearances in cup competitions, playing once in the FA Cup and twice in the EFL Cup.
Ihiekwe made 25 appearances in all competitions, scoring twice and helping Wednesday finish 12th in the Championship when available.
Blackpool sign Ihiekwe.
Blackpool have confirmed the signing of Michael Ihiekwe on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract at Sheffield Wednesday.
The defender will join the Tangerines on 1 July, signing for Steve Bruce’s side on a three-year deal.
Steve Bruce spoke on the signing of Ihiekwe, saying:
“We are really pleased to have brought Michael in so early in the window, despite interest from elsewhere.
“His CV speaks for itself with four promotions from this division already and we are hopeful this experience he has will help us reach our goals this season.”
Is this a good signing?
The Tangerines finished the League One season in ninth, missing out on the play-offs by 11 points, and they may look to climb up the table in the upcoming season and push for promotion.
One player who could help the Tangerines climb the table next season and push for promotion back to the Championship is Ihiekwe.
Ihiekwe has bags of experience in English football, making over 300 appearances across the divisions, including four promotions to the Championship from League One.
This could be a valuable asset for Bruce’s side, as they would get someone with a track record of promotions in the league and a leader who knows the division.
Ihiekwe has also shown his ability on the pitch, being a strong aerial presence at Wednesday. In the championship last season, Ihiekwe won 4.84 aerial duels per90, winning 73.1% of his aerials.
This ability in the air could be a valuable asset; it can help strengthen the Tangerines defensively and be a threat offensively from set pieces, potentially adding a few goals to Bruce’s side.
This could be an excellent signing for Blackpool; Ihiekwe has a track record of promotions from League One and could bring his experience to the Tangerines dressing room.
It will be interesting to see how Ihiekwe will fit in at Blackpool and if he can help Steve Bruce’s side push for promotion.