EXCLUSIVE: Sheffield Wednesday in talks with highly-rated defender

Osaze Urhoghide burst onto the scene with a surprise Sheffield Wednesday debut in January, accompanied by an impressive performance and an unforgettable post-match interview – now the club are aiming to make sure he remains an Owl for some time to come.
By Joe Crann
Published 11th May 2020, 17:30 BST
Updated 12th May 2020, 09:27 BST
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 04: Adam Reach of Sheffield Wednesday celebrates with teammates Morgan Fox and Osaze Urhoghide after scoring his team's first goal during the FA Cup Third Round match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Sheffield Wednesday at Amex Stadium on January 04, 2020 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 04: Adam Reach of Sheffield Wednesday celebrates with teammates Morgan Fox and Osaze Urhoghide after scoring his team's first goal during the FA Cup Third Round match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Sheffield Wednesday at Amex Stadium on January 04, 2020 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 04: Adam Reach of Sheffield Wednesday celebrates with teammates Morgan Fox and Osaze Urhoghide after scoring his team's first goal during the FA Cup Third Round match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Sheffield Wednesday at Amex Stadium on January 04, 2020 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)

Urhoghide is still just 19-years-old, but his performance against Premier League opposition, Brighton & Hove Albion, showcased his promise, and the interview that followed went viral across the world.

The teenager is due to see his contract at Wednesday expire at the end of the season, and while the club do have an option to extend by an extra year, the Star understands that they have plans well beyond 2021 for the talented full-back.

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Having signed a short-term deal with the Owls in 2019 after leaving AFC Wimbledon, the defender quickly rose through the ranks and has gone on to make four senior appearances under Garry Monk this season as his manager keeps one eye on the future.

Having been born to Nigerian parents, lived for several years in the Netherlands as a kid and grown up in England, it’s thought that there have already been questions asked about who he could represent on the international stage, but for now he’ll be focusing on his club career.

Ricky Pattenden, of Every Aspect Sports Management, confirmed exclusively to the Star that talks are underway with Wednesday management regarding Urhoghide’s future, and it sounds like good news for Wednesdayites as they fawn over a possible star for the future.

Pattenden told the Star, “Osaze is really happy at Sheffield Wednesday and is very much enjoying working under Garry Monk… The club have already made it clear that they want to tie him down on a long-term deal, and I think that if it wasn’t for this Coronavirus pandemic then it would have been done already.

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“Preliminary talks have taken place, and we’re hopeful that things could get sorted out in the near future,” he added.

Urhoghide has been widely praised for his attitude both on and off the pitch, and will be aiming to get more senior minutes under his belt whenever football does eventually return.

Related topics:Osaze UrhoghideNetherlands