Sheffield United have completed the signing of 20-year-old Nigerian winger, Ehije Ukaki, from Bulgarian top-flight side , continuing the club’s recent focus on scouting emerging African talent.
Ukaki becomes the second Nigerian to join the Blades from Botev Plovdiv within the past six months, following the arrival of Christian Nwachukwu earlier this year.
The move underscores Sheffield United’s commitment to a data-driven recruitment strategy, despite questions raised about the winger’s scoring record last season.
Ukaki, who netted seven goals in 37 appearances across all competitions in the 2024/25 campaign, has signed a three-year deal with the Championship side. The club’s manager, Chris Wilder, addressed the scepticism surrounding the young forward’s statistics, urging supporters to trust the club’s long-term development strategy.
“Ehije is a player who has been identified through our data-driven strategy and is someone we’re looking forward to developing,” Wilder said in a statement published on the club’s official website.
“He’s an emerging talent, still only 20, who has enjoyed some experience of European football early in his career, so there’s a base to work from.”
Ukaki, who will join Sheffield United in pre-season training, also expressed his excitement about the move. In a message posted on Instagram, he reached out to the club’s supporters: “Hello Blades fans, it is Ehije Ukaki here.
It’s great to be signing for Sheffield United. I am looking forward to moving over, I am ready for the challenge.”
Sheffield United are looking to rebuild their squad following a disappointing end to the 2024/25 season, where they narrowly missed promotion to the English Premier League after losing out in the playoffs, won by Sunderland.
