EFL club that narrowly missed Premier League promotion signs Nigerian star scouted by AI

EFL Championship side Sheffield United have completed the signing of promising Nigerian winger Ehije Ukaki as their first move in the summer transfer window, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 20-year-old joins from Bulgarian side Botev Plovdiv, becoming the second player to arrive at Bramall Lane from the club, following Christian Nwachukwu's January switch.

Ukaki was identified through Sheffield United’s data-driven recruitment model, which uses artificial intelligence to scout and assess emerging talent across Europe.

Club analysts were impressed by his agility, low centre of gravity, and ability to operate in tight spaces—qualities that make him highly effective in transitional play.

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Though he has mainly featured as an advanced wide player, there's growing belief among observers that Ukaki's long-term role could be as a right wing-back, particularly in a back-three system that manager Chris Wilder has regularly employed.

“Ehije is a player who has been identified through our data-driven strategy and is someone we’re looking forward to developing. 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.” Speaking after the announcement, Wilder said, as cited by Sheffunitedway.

Meanwhile, Sheffield United narrowly missed out on Premier League promotion after falling short in the EFL Championship play-off final.

The Blades had defeated Bristol City in the semi-finals, but it was Sunderland—who overcame Coventry City—who triumphed in the final and will now join Leeds United and Burnley in England’s top flight next season.

As Sheffield United prepares for another push for promotion, Ukaki will hope to help the club return to the Premier League.