Last month, Luton Town were the talk of the footballing world as they managed to secure promotion to the Premier League courtesy of a nerve-racking penalty shootout victory over Coventry City in the Championship playoff final.

The win completed a miraculous turnaround for the Hatters as they were in the fifth tier of English football just nine years ago. But that is now firmly in the rearview mirror, and now the North London outfit has a herculean task ahead of them if they are to preserve their top-flight status. 

But manager Rob Edwards has already got to strengthen his squad ahead of the upcoming campaign. He has made out-of-contract Rotherham United winger Chiedozie Ogbene his first signing of the summer transfer window, a move that looks like a shrewd piece of business for both the club and the player.

Throughout the last three years, the former Brentford man has steadily built up a reputation as one of the most exciting attackers in the English football league, and he now finally gets his chance to shine at the top level. 

Luton Town are one of the few clubs within the world of professional that are openly against gambling sponsorships and back in 2018, they publicly refused a £500,000 offer from a highly reputable company as their owner said it would make him ‘uncomfortable’. The website would have provided fans with access to trending Bitcoin pokies as well as table game classics, as well as boosting the club’s coffers and strengthening their transfer budget. Instead, however, Town must now be more frugal in the transfer market, and the free transfer of Ogbene is a step in that direction. 

But just who is Chiedozie Ogbene? Wonder no more, as here is everything you need to know about the exciting Republic of Ireland international. 

Club Career 

The 26-year-old winger made his name in the Irish league with the likes of Cork City and Limerick, which earned a move to Brentford and their much-lauded B Team setup.

He would find opportunities hard to come by in West London and it wasn’t until he made the move to League One outfit Rotherham United in the summer of 2019 that he would truly find his footing. Ogbene would impress as the Millers secured promotion in his maiden campaign at the New York Stadium, however, disaster was just around the corner. 

In the opening weeks of his second season in South Yorkshire, Ogbene would suffer a season-ending injury. With one of the club’s star men out for the year, The Millers would suffer relegation after conceding a last-minute equalizer on the final day of the season.

They immediately bounced back the following campaign, securing an immediate return to the second tier, and Ogbene would help the club cling to their status by avoiding relegation. 

With his contract up this summer, Ogbene was never likely to remain at the club, and he indeed got his move to the Premier League. He will face off against international teammate Michael Obafemi next season who also secured promotion with Burnley and the future for the pair looks very bright indeed. 

International Career 

The Nigerian-born winger would earn a shock call-up to the Republic of Ireland setup, where has lived since 2005 and has citizenship, in the summer of 2021.

He made history with his one-minute cameo appearance in a friendly against Hungary that summer, becoming the first African-born player to feature for the Boys in Green. And he would immediately become a key player for Stephen Kenny. 

He scored his first goal for his adopted country in a 3-0 victory away against Azerbaijan, before turning in a man-of-the-match display in a goalless draw against Portugal. He would then impress once again in a 2-2 draw against Belgium in Dublin, providing an assist and scoring a magical bicycle kick in the process. Over the last 18 months, he has racked up 15 international appearances, and there are plenty more waiting around the corner. 

Personal Life

There isn’t too much information available on Ogbene and his personal life. The details of his newly signed contract with Luton Town have not yet been made public and before that, he was thought to be earning a modest £3,000-£5,000 with Rotherham. His net worth is also not public information. 

One thing that is public is that he is dating his long-time girlfriend, Sandra Hanratty. Ogbene has posted numerous stories on his Instagram profile of the pair out in public, including a date at Wentworth Country House in Rotherham.

He also posted a picture with his lady following The Millers’ final home game of last season, which saw the club defeat Middlesbrough by a solitary goal to zero and preserve their second-tier status. 

When it comes to sponsors, the Luton Town man has numerous. He has shot numerous social media commercials for Intersport Elverys, one of Ireland’s leading authentic sports retailers. He is also a Nike athlete, and the American sportswear giant provides him with top-of-the-range football boots for each game. 

Aston Villa opinion: Should the Villans sign Harold Moukoudi?

Aston Villa came ever so close to signing Le Havre’s defender, Harold Moukoudi, in a loan deal on deadline-day last summer. The Villains even flew the Frenchman over for talks regarding the move but the deal failed.

Villa had a loan deal agreed, which could have led to a £10million permanent deal, but the deal collapsed and Moukoudi stayed with Le Havre. However, Villa should reignite their interest in the French defender and make a move for him in the summer.

Moukoudi’s current deal with Le Havre expires in the summer and the prospect of signing the 21-year-old for free has attracted many clubs.

Villa along with West Ham, Napoli and St Etienne have all been linked with a move for the youngster, but Dean Smith’s side should make a move early, to seal a deal for him in the summer.

Villa are currently 5^th in the Championship table and if things go their way in the last 6 games, they should qualify for the playoffs. Dean Smith’s side will make a serious push to attain promotion to the Premier League and if they do, attracting top players will be a lot easier.

Tyrone Mings, Axel Tuanzebe and Kortney Hause are all set to return to their respective clubs, at the end of their loan deals in the summer. Tommy Elphick, James Chester and Micah Richards are all into their thirties and Villa should bring in someone younger for the future.

Harold Moukoudi would be an ideal addition to the Villain’s squad and his signing will benefit Dean Smith’s side massively in their attempt to get into and stay in the Premier League.

Moukoudi started the season as a regular for Le Havre, playing the full 90 minutes in all but one of their first 18 games. The Ligue 2 outfit were prepared to let him leave in January for a fee, but his failure to agree on a deal with any club has seen him be exiled by the club since.

Standing at 6ft 3in tall, Moukoudi is a menace in the air and would be an asset for any team. The youngster, despite his height, is incredibly agile and has all the qualities in him to be a top defender, in the coming years.

The 21-year-old has shown real maturity in his performances and has the rare ability to sense danger in and around the box. Moukoudi is incredibly strong and has the ability to bully the opposition off the ball. His tackling is one of his biggest strengths and his physicality will suit the English game perfectly.

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Conclusion

Aston Villa should not think twice about making a move for the young defender and signing him will massively increase their chances of making it to the Premier League and staying in it next season.

The youngster, still only 21, could be a leader at the back for Villa and he should be a priority for Dean Smith in the upcoming transfer window.

Manchester City vs Chelsea predictions: Manchester City line-up

After an incredible come back in the midweek to overcome Schalke, Manchester City have another massive game at the weekend as they take on Chelsea in the Final of the EFL Cup. Pep Guardiola’s side humiliated the Blues in their last meeting with a 6-0 drubbing.

Manchester City beat Burton Albion 10-0 in the semi-finals to reach their third final in the last 4 years. City beat Arsenal last year to lift the cup and will be looking to do the same again on Sunday.

Team News

John Stones and Gabriel Jesus are a massive doubt for the weekend due to groin and hamstring problems respectively.  Benjamin Mendy and Claudio Bravo are both ruled out.

Probable Manchester City XI

Formation: 4-3-3

Manager: Pep Guardiola

Ederson (GK)

The Brazilian is Pep Guardiola’s undisputed number one and has been a massive part in the champions’ system since his arrival to the Premier League.

Kyle Walker (RB)

Arguably the Premier League’s fastest player is an integral part of the City team and should start at right-back ahead of Danilo.

Fernandinho (CDM)

The Brazilian has been used at centre-back on multiple occasions this season but is often seen bombing forward when is possession. His role will be key against Chelsea.

Nicolas Otamendi (CB)

The Argentine had a poor game in the Champions League in midweek and was sent off in the second half. He should, however, start at Wembley next to Fernandinho

Aymeric Laporte (LB)

Naturally a centre back, Laporte has done a brilliant job in the left-back role and should start again in the absence of Benjamin Mendy.

Ilkay Gundogan (CM)

The German scored a brilliant goal againt Chelagainstcouple of weeks ago and has been in fine form this season. He should start in the midfield on Sunday.

David Silva (CM)

The Spaniard is a key component in Guardiola’s midfield and his vision will be a massive asset for the Champions at Wembley.

Kevin De Bruyne (CM)

The Belgian is yet to reach last season’s form but he should aim to make an impact against Chelsea as City enter the business end of the season.

Bernardo Silva (RW)

One of City’s best players against Chelsea and over the past few games. Silva’s wide runs with or without the ball will be a massive nuisance for Chelsea and should start on the right flank on Sunday.

Raheem Sterling (LW)

The Englishman was an absolute nightmare for Azpilicueta at the Etihad and scored a brace in a brilliant performance. He is expected to start on the left-wing at Wembley.

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Sergio Aguero (ST):

City’s hat-trick hero and the league’s joint top scorer has been on fire this campaign and he should look to continue his amazing form on the weekend.