Port Vale and Blackpool plotting move to sign ex-Sheffield Wednesday star | OneFootball

Two ex-Owls bosses want the defender who is set to leave Hillsborough this summer.

Blackpool and Port Vale have been named as contenders to sign defender Michael Ihiekwe this summer following his release from Sheffield Wednesday.

Following three years, one promotion and one relegation miracle scrap, the 32-year-old's time at Hillsborough is set to come to an end this summer. The Owls have opted to release Ihiekwe, who started 20 games for Danny Rohl in the 2024/25 campaign, but this has opened the door to other opportunities for the former Rotherham United man.

He has spent most years of his career playing in the English third tier. That, and his years in the Championship, make him a prime contender to take a step down the pyramid and be a real asset to a League One club.

Port Vale and Blackpool in battle for Michael Ihiekwe

According to The Star, Blackpool and Port Vale, are keen on signing Ihiekwe this summer. They are also said to be joined in the race for the centre-back by Huddersfield Town, who have just appointed Lee Grant as their new manager, as well as an unnamed Championship club.

Previous reports from the Sheffield outlet had stated that there were teams in the league below Wednesday's that were interested in Ihiekwe's services.

There was a possibility that his Wednesday exit could have come earlier than it has. He was one of the players made available for transfer by the club in the January window, but he bounced back from this point, regaining some form, and was nominated for the Championship's Player of the Month award for March.

The Tangerines and newly promoted Vale are both managed by two former Owls head honchos. Steve Bruce took over at Bloomfield Road in September of last year, guiding them to ninth in the division.

The Valiants brought in Darren Moore to try and help them stave off relegation in the 2023/24 campaign. It was an unsuccessful move, but he got them back up to the third tier at the first time of asking, finishing second in League Two. He has already pulled off one coup of an ex-Wednesday player during his time with the Valiants. He signed midfielder George Byers last summer on a three-year deal.

Michael Ihiekwe will be a solid addition for any League One outfit

The versatility of the 32-year-old was really on show under Rohl, adapting to different defensive briefs set by the boss which often required him to line up in a number of positions across the back-line.

Not many signings feel nailed on to be successful, but Ihiekwe, with his recent experience at a higher level, feels like an obviously strong move for any team in the English third division looking to strengthen at the back.