Uche Ikpeazu
{{short description|English association football player}}
{{Use British English|date=February 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2014}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Uche Ikpeazu
| image = Uche Ikpeazu 2014-05-03 1.jpg
| caption = Ikpeazu playing for Crewe Alexandra in 2014
| fullname = Karl Anthony Uchechukwu Mubiru Ikpeazu{{Cite web |date=7 June 2013 |title=Clubs submit retained and released lists |url=http://www.premierleague.com/en-gb/news/news/2013-14/jun/premier-league-clubs-submit-retained-and-released-lists.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160202051516/http://www.premierleague.com/en-gb/news/news/2013-14/jun/premier-league-clubs-submit-retained-and-released-lists.html |archive-date=2 February 2016 |publisher=Premier League}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1995|2|28|df=y}}{{Hugman|26179|access-date=22 February 2017}}
| birth_place = Harrow, England
| position = Forward
| currentclub = St Johnstone
| clubnumber = 9
| youthyears1 = 2010–2011
| youthclubs1 = Reading
| years1 = 2011–2013
| clubs1 = Reading
| caps1 = 0
| goals1 = 0
| years2 = 2011–2012
| clubs2 = → Didcot Town (loan)
| caps2 = 2
| goals2 = 1
| years3 = 2013–2016
| clubs3 = Watford
| caps3 = 0
| goals3 = 0
| years4 = 2014
| clubs4 = → Crewe Alexandra (loan)
| caps4 = 15
| goals4 = 4
| years5 = 2014–2015
| clubs5 = → Crewe Alexandra (loan)
| caps5 = 8
| goals5 = 2
| years6 = 2015
| clubs6 = → Doncaster Rovers (loan)
| caps6 = 7
| goals6 = 0
| years7 = 2015
| clubs7 = → Crewe Alexandra (loan)
| caps7 = 9
| goals7 = 0
| years8 = 2015
| clubs8 = → Port Vale (loan)
| caps8 = 21
| goals8 = 5
| years9 = 2016
| clubs9 = → Blackpool (loan)
| caps9 = 12
| goals9 = 0
| years10 = 2016–2018
| clubs10 = Cambridge United
| caps10 = 69
| goals10 = 19
| years11 = 2018–2020
| clubs11 = Heart of Midlothian
| caps11 = 40
| goals11 = 5
| years12 = 2020–2021
| clubs12 = Wycombe Wanderers
| caps12 = 31
| goals12 = 6
| years13 = 2021–2022
| clubs13 = Middlesbrough
| caps13 = 20
| goals13 = 2
| years14 = 2022
| clubs14 = → Cardiff City (loan)
| caps14 = 13
| goals14 = 3
| years15 = 2022–2023
| clubs15 = Konyaspor
| caps15 = 15
| goals15 = 0
| years16 = 2023–2024
| clubs16 = Port Vale
| caps16 = 20
| goals16 = 1
| years17 = 2024–
| clubs17 = St Johnstone
| caps17 = 4
| goals17 = 0
| club-update = 08:37, 15 May 2025 (UTC)
}}
Karl Anthony Uchechukwu Mubiru Ikpeazu (born 28 February 1995) is a professional footballer who plays as a forward for {{Scottish football updater|StJohnst}} club St Johnstone. Born in England, he represents Uganda at international level.
A former Reading Academy player, he joined Watford in 2013. He spent three years with the club without making a first-team appearance. Instead, he played on loan at Crewe Alexandra, Doncaster Rovers, Port Vale, and Blackpool. He signed with Cambridge United in August 2016 and spent two seasons with the club before signing with Heart of Midlothian in April 2018. He played for Hearts as they lost the 2019 Scottish Cup final. He returned to England to sign with Wycombe Wanderers in August 2020 and was then sold on to Middlesbrough 11 months later. He joined Cardiff City on loan in January 2022. He joined Turkish club Konyaspor in August 2022. In October 2023, he signed a contract with Port Vale to run until the end of the 2023–24 season. He returned to Scotland with St Johnstone in May 2024.
Career
=Reading and Watford=
Ikpeazu was born in Harrow, London to an Igbo Nigerian father and a Ugandan mother.{{cite news |last1=Wilson |first1=Fraser |title=Hearts exodus set to be sparked as Uche Ikpeazu heads Tynecastle unwanted list |url=https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/hearts-exodus-set-sparked-uche-21716673 |access-date=5 April 2020 |work=Daily Record |date=18 March 2020}} Ikpeazu joined Reading's academy in late 2010.{{cite news|last1=Aiyejina|first1=Tana|title=I'll never forget my hat-trick against Arsenal — Ikpeazu|url=http://www.punchng.com/sports/sportlight/ill-never-forget-my-hat-trick-against-arsenal-ikpeazu/|access-date=17 July 2015|work=Punch|date=21 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150721041454/http://www.punchng.com/sports/sportlight/ill-never-forget-my-hat-trick-against-arsenal-ikpeazu/|archive-date=21 July 2015|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}{{cite web |url=http://www.watfordfc.com/news/article/130701-ikpeazu-signs-884926.aspx |title=Official: Hornets sign Ikpeazu |publisher=Watford F.C |access-date=24 January 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130704055457/http://www.watfordfc.com/news/article/130701-ikpeazu-signs-884926.aspx |archive-date=4 July 2013 |df=dmy-all }} He signed for Southern League Division One South & West club Didcot Town on loan in November 2011 and scored twice in three games, including the 3–1 FA Trophy win against Conference Premier team Bromley.{{cite news |url=http://www.heraldseries.co.uk/archive/2011/11/28/9387997.FOOTBALL__Didcot_pull_off_a_big_shock/ |title=Didcot pull off a big shock |newspaper=Didcot Herald |access-date=24 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201235240/http://www.heraldseries.co.uk/archive/2011/11/28/9387997.FOOTBALL__Didcot_pull_off_a_big_shock/ |archive-date=1 February 2014 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }} In the 2012–13 season, his final for the under-18s, he scored 28 goals in as many games, finishing as the top scorer in the country at academy level.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23126041 |title=Uche Ikpeazu: Watford sign prolific teenager on pro contract |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=24 January 2014}}
Reading offered him a professional contract. However, he turned it down and instead signed a three-year contract with fellow Championship club Watford in July 2013.{{cite web |url=http://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/article/carrico-update-130713-911909.aspx |title=Carrico update |publisher=Reading F.C |access-date=24 January 2014}} Due to his age Watford were required to pay compensation which, after six months of negotiations, was agreed in January 2014 with the fee remaining undisclosed.{{cite news |url=http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/10921580.Watford_and_Reading_agree_Ikpeazu_fee/?ref=rss |last=Smith |first=Frank |date=8 January 2014 |title=Reading and Watford agree compensation fee for Uche Ikpeazu |newspaper=Watford Observer |access-date=24 January 2014}} The same month, having yet to make his first-team debut for Watford, Ikpeazu joined League One club Crewe Alexandra on loan until the end of the season.{{cite web |url=http://www.crewealex.net/news/article/crewe-sign-uche-1291881.aspx |title=Crewe sign Uche! |publisher=Crewe Alexandra F.C |access-date=24 January 2014}} He made his debut at Gresty Road as a second-half substitute in a 2–1 defeat to Leyton Orient on 18 January,{{cite web |url=http://www.crewealex.net/news/article/crewe-1-2-leyton-orient-1302251.aspx |title=Crewe 1–2 Leyton Orient |publisher=Crewe Alexandra F.C |access-date=24 January 2014}} and scored his first goals in professional football with two goals against Bradford City three weeks later.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25994428 |title=Bradford City 3–3 Crewe Alexandra |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=10 February 2014}}
Ikpeazu returned to Crewe on 26 November 2014, on a loan deal until 25 January 2015.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/30215723|title=Crewe Alexandra sign Nicky Ajose and Uche Ikpeazu on loan|publisher=BBC Sport|date=26 November 2014|access-date=4 December 2014}} Two days later he scored in a 1–1 home draw with Doncaster Rovers.{{cite news|title=Crewe Alexandra 1–1 Doncaster Rovers|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/30156025|publisher=BBC Sport|date=29 November 2014|access-date=20 December 2014}} After the loan deal ended he joined Doncaster Rovers on loan.{{cite news|title=Uche Ikpeazu: Doncaster sign Watford striker after Crewe recall|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/31004627|access-date=11 July 2015|publisher=BBC Sport|date=28 January 2015}} He was reported to have been viewed as a possible permanent signing by manager Paul Dickov, but returned to Watford in March after failing to impress at the Keepmoat Stadium.{{cite news|title=Loan striker Ikpeazu returns to Watford|url=http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/doncaster/doncaster-rovers-loan-striker-ikpeazu-returns-to-watford-1-7149375|access-date=11 July 2015|newspaper=The Yorkshire Post|location=Leeds|date=10 March 2015}}{{cite news|last1=Hoden|first1=Liam|title=Doncaster Rovers: 'Lack of opportunity' behind Uche Ikpeazu departure|url=http://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/doncaster/doncaster-rovers-lack-of-opportunity-behind-uche-ikpeazu-departure-1-7149449|access-date=11 July 2015|newspaper=The Star|location=Sheffield|date=11 March 2015}} He then returned to Crewe on loan after manager Steve Davis admitted that he was unable to replace Ikpeazu during his absence.{{cite news|title=Crewe Alexandra: Uche Ikpeazu rejoins on loan from Watford|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/31872563|access-date=11 July 2015|publisher=BBC Sport|date=13 March 2015}}
Ikpeazu joined League One club Port Vale on a six-month loan in July 2015, having impressed manager Rob Page playing against the Vale for Crewe the previous season.{{cite news|title=Watford striker Uche Ikpeazu seals six-month loan move|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/33513023|access-date=13 July 2015|publisher=BBC Sport|date=13 July 2015}} He started the campaign as the club's main striker. Though he dropped out of the first XI against Oldham Athletic on 29 September, he came off the bench to score an equalising goal.{{cite news|title=Goal ace Uche Ikpeazu determined to be the best after lapse earns him Vale axe|url=http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Port-Vale-Goal-ace-Ikpeazu-determined-best-lapse/story-27899797-detail/story.html|access-date=1 October 2015|newspaper=The Sentinel|location=Stoke|date=1 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151001213601/http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Port-Vale-Goal-ace-Ikpeazu-determined-best-lapse/story-27899797-detail/story.html|archive-date=1 October 2015|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}} Page was hopeful of extending the loan deal until the end of the season, as Ikpeazu was the club's top-scorer throughout the early stages of the campaign.{{cite news|title=Rob Page keen to do deal with Watford for Uche Ikpeazu|url=http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Port-Vale-Rob-Page-keen-deal-Watford-Uche-Ikpeazu/story-27969305-detail/story.html|access-date=13 October 2015|newspaper=The Sentinel|location=Stoke|date=13 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151014140826/http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Port-Vale-Rob-Page-keen-deal-Watford-Uche-Ikpeazu/story-27969305-detail/story.html|archive-date=14 October 2015|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}} However, he lost his first-team place after being sent off against Burton Albion on 24 October as A-Jay Leitch-Smith entered the team and found a rich vein of form.{{cite news|last1=Baggaley|first1=Mike|title=Uche Ikpeazu's future at Vale yet to be decided|url=http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Port-Vale-Talks-ongoing-Uche-Ikpeazu-s-future/story-28370962-detail/story.html|access-date=16 December 2015|newspaper=The Sentinel|location=Stoke|date=15 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222123225/http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Port-Vale-Talks-ongoing-Uche-Ikpeazu-s-future/story-28370962-detail/story.html|archive-date=22 December 2015|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}} Despite Ikpeazu still being the club's top-scorer his loan spell was not extended in January.{{cite news|title=Uche Ikpeazu: Watford striker needs consistency - Rob Page|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/35225142|access-date=5 January 2016|publisher=BBC Sport|date=4 January 2016}} He remained in League One however, as he joined Blackpool on loan until the end of the 2015–16 season.{{cite news|title=Uche Ikpeazu: Blackpool sign Watford striker on loan|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/35372670|access-date=26 January 2016|publisher=BBC Sport|date=21 January 2016}} Ikpeazu was then released by Watford upon the expiry of his contract.{{cite web |title=Official: Hornets confirm retained & released players |url=http://www.watfordfc.com/news/article/160601-watford-fc-retained-released-list-3132264.aspx |publisher=Watford F.C. |date=3 June 2016 |access-date=15 February 2024 |archive-date=15 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160915122532/https://www.watfordfc.com/teams/first-team/160601-watford-fc-retained-released-list |url-status=dead }}
=Cambridge United=
Ikpeazu had a trial at Championship club Norwich City in July 2016 and scored in a pre-season friendly against Dereham Town.{{cite news|last1=Emery|first1=Daniel|title=Ikpeazu on trial at Norwich|url=http://readnorwich.com/2016/07/16/ikpeazu-on-trial-at-norwich/|access-date=16 July 2016|work=readnorwich.com|date=16 July 2016}} He signed a short-term contract with League Two club Cambridge United the following month.{{cite news|title=Uche Ikpeazu: Former Watford striker joins Cambridge United|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37175422|access-date=24 August 2016|publisher=BBC Sport|date=24 August 2016}} He scored his first goal for Cambridge in a 2–1 win over Newport County at Rodney Parade on 24 September, and manager Shaun Derry said he was becoming a "cult figure" at the club.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37394542|title=Newport 1-2 Cambridge|publisher=BBC|date=24 September 2016|access-date=5 October 2016}}{{cite news|last1=Vaughton|first1=Michael|title=Uche Ikpeazu becoming 'cult figure' at Cambridge United, says Shaun Derry|url=http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/uche-ikpeazu-becoming-cult-figure-12232336|access-date=12 May 2017|work=Cambridge News|date=26 November 2016}} On 9 January 2017, Ikpeazu scored for Cambridge in a 2–1 FA Cup third round defeat to Championship team Leeds United.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/38486840 |title=Cambridge 1 Leeds 2 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=9 January 2017 |access-date=9 January 2017 }} On 23 February, he was ruled out of action for eight weeks with a hamstring injury.{{cite news|title=Uche Ikpeazu: Cambridge United striker set to be out for eight weeks|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39068225|access-date=12 May 2017|work=BBC Sport|date=23 February 2017}} He ended the 2016–17 campaign with eight goals in 36 appearances and underwent surgery after dislocating his shoulder at Portsmouth on 22 April.{{cite news|last1=Mason|first1=Aaron|title=Derry: Uche Ikpeazu and Adam McGurk injuries come at 'terrible time' for U's|url=http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/shaun-derry-uche-ikpeazu-adam-12951841|access-date=12 May 2017|work=Cambridge News|date=27 April 2017}}
On 9 December 2017, Ikpeazu was sent off in a 2–0 at former club Port Vale after receiving two yellow cards in two minutes.{{cite news|title=Port Vale 2-0 Cambridge United|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/42205493|access-date=17 April 2018|work=BBC Sport|date=9 December 2017}} In April 2018 "U's" announced that they "had tabled a series of strong and competitive packages at League Two level. However, the club can confirm that Ikpeazu has declined the offers put forward, making his desire to play at a higher level clear in each conversation".{{cite news|title=Uche Ikpeazu: Cambridge United striker rejects new deal and will leave in the summer|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/43788160|access-date=17 April 2018|work=BBC Sport|date=17 April 2018}}
=Heart of Midlothian=
Ikpeazu signed a pre-contract agreement with Scottish Premiership club Heart of Midlothian in April 2018, with a two-year contract which took effect from 1 July 2018.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/43808561 |title=Uche Ikpeazu: Striker to join Hearts from Cambridge United |work=BBC Sport |publisher=BBC |date=18 April 2018 |access-date=18 April 2018}} He said he was attracted to the club by the size of Tynecastle Park and faith shown in him by manager Craig Levein.{{cite news|last1=Cooney|first1=Darren|title='Crazy' New Hearts signing Uche Ikpeazu pays tribute to Tynecastle|url=https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/crazy-new-hearts-signing-uche-12384515|access-date=10 May 2018|work=Daily Record|date=18 April 2018}} He signed an extended contract with the club in March 2019 after stating that "I feel the love" following the club's support during a four-month injury lay-off with a broken foot.{{cite news |title=Uche Ikpeazu extends Hearts deal until 2022 |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/47489108 |access-date=17 May 2019 |work=BBC Sport |date=7 March 2019}} Old Firm clubs Celtic and Rangers were reported to have expressed an interest in bidding for his services.{{cite news |last1=Hawkins |first1=Billy |title=Rangers and Celtic battling for Hearts striker Uche Ikpeazu |url=https://talksport.com/football/521209/rangers-celtic-transfer-battle-hearts-uche-ikpeazu/ |access-date=17 May 2019 |work=talkSPORT |date=2 April 2019}} Hearts reached the 2019 Scottish Cup final at Hampden Park, where they lost 2–1 to Celtic, with Ikpeazu replacing Steven MacLean on 78 minutes.{{cite news |title=Heart of Midlothian 1-2 Celtic |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/48318590 |access-date=27 May 2019 |work=BBC Sport |date=25 May 2019}}
He lost his first-team place under Daniel Stendel by the time the 2019–20 season was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Scotland.{{cite news |last1=Anderson |first1=Barry |title=Hearts manager Daniel Stendel explains Uche Ikpeazu's absence |url=https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/sport/football/hearts/hearts-manager-daniel-stendel-explains-uche-ikpeazus-absence-2447845 |access-date=5 April 2020 |work=Edinburgh Evening News |date=12 March 2020 |language=en}} He was expected to be sold or released in the summer transfer window after club chair Ann Budge asked the playing staff to take a temporary 50% pay cut due to the pandemic.
=Wycombe Wanderers=
On 17 August 2020, Ikpeazu signed a three-year deal for newly-promoted Championship club Wycombe Wanderers.{{cite web|url=https://www.wwfc.com/news/2020/august/new-number-nine-lands-at-adams-park/|title=New number nine lands at Adams Park|publisher=Wycombe Wanderers F.C.|date=17 August 2020|access-date=17 August 2020}} Manager Gareth Ainsworth said that "we feel he's perfectly suited for the way we play" and saw him as a long-term replacement for Adebayo Akinfenwa.{{cite news |title=Uche Ikpeazu: Wycombe Wanderers sign Hearts striker on three-year deal |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53812125 |access-date=18 August 2020 |work=BBC Sport |date=17 August 2020 |language=en-gb}} He scored his first goal for the "Chairboys" in 3–1 defeat by Middlesbrough at Adams Park on 2 January, as he "curled in a beautiful effort from {{convert|20|yd}}" for his first goal since September 2019.{{cite news |last1=Richings |first1=James |title='I'm so pleased for him' - Ainsworth on Ikpeazu after striker's stunning goal against Middlesbrough |url=https://www.bucksfreepress.co.uk/sport/18982871.gareth-ainsworth-praises-uche-ikpeazu-wonder-goal-middlesbrough/ |access-date=3 January 2021 |work=Bucks Free Press |date=2 January 2021 |language=en}} He recovered from an injury later in the year and went on to score six goals in 33 appearances during the 2020–21 season, including the winning goal against Bournemouth on 1 May which took Wycombe's relegation fight to the last day of the campaign.{{cite news |last1=Richings |first1=James |title='He is the best manager I have played under' - Uche Ikpeazu on Gareth Ainsworth |url=https://www.bucksfreepress.co.uk/sport/19273938.uche-ikpeazu-gareth-ainsworth-wycombes-attitude/ |access-date=13 May 2021 |work=Bucks Free Press |date=2 May 2021 |language=en}}{{cite news |last1=Law |first1=James |title=Wycombe beat Bournemouth to delay relegation |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/56869249 |access-date=13 May 2021 |work=BBC Sport |date=1 May 2021}} They were relegated despite beating Middlesbrough on the final day.{{cite news |last1=Folker |first1=Robert |title=MATCH REPORT: Wycombe relegated despite dominant display |url=https://www.bucksfreepress.co.uk/news/19288893.wycombe-wanderers-relegated-despite-3-0-win-middlesbrough/ |access-date=13 May 2021 |work=Bucks Free Press |date=8 May 2021 |language=en}} Ikpeazu came second in the Supporters' Player of the Year vote, and his goals against Brentford and Bournemouth came second and third respectively in the goal of the season vote.{{cite news |title=Josh scoops two awards at Adams Park ceremony |url=https://www.wwfc.com/news/2021/may/josh-scoops-two-awards-at-adams-park-ceremony/ |access-date=13 May 2021 |work=www.wycombewanderers.co.uk |date=6 May 2021 |language=en-gb}}
=Middlesbrough=
On 2 July 2021, Ikpeazu returned to the Championship to sign for Middlesbrough for an undisclosed fee, signing a three-year contract.{{cite web|url=https://www.mfc.co.uk/news/uche-ikpeazu-joins-the-boro|title=Uche Ikpeazu Joins The Boro|website=www.mfc.co.uk|date=2 July 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.wwfc.com/news/2021/july/uche-departs-for-middlesbrough/|title=Uche departs for Middlesbrough|website=www.wycombewanderers.co.uk|date=2 July 2021}} Manager Neil Warnock said that he had tracked the players since his time at Hearts.{{cite news |title=Middlesbrough sign Ikpeazu and Peltier |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57695202 |access-date=2 July 2021 |work=BBC Sport |date=2 July 2021}} He scored three goals in 22 games, but was not in new manager Chris Wilder's first-team plans after he signed Aaron Connolly and Folarin Balogun on loan during the January transfer window to compliment in-form forwards Josh Coburn and Duncan Watmore.{{cite news |title=Cardiff City Sign Uche Ikpeazu On Loan {{!}} Middlesbrough FC |url=https://www.mfc.co.uk/news/cardiff-city-sign-uche-ikpeazu-on-loan |access-date=1 February 2022 |work=Middlesbrough F.C. |date=31 January 2022 |language=en}}{{cite news |title=Cardiff sign Middlesbrough's Ikpeazu |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/60201789 |access-date=1 February 2022 |work=BBC Sport |date=31 January 2022}}
=Cardiff City=
On 31 January 2022, Ikpeazu joined Championship club Cardiff City on loan until the end of the 2021–22 season.{{cite news |title=Uche Ikpeazu: Cardiff City seal loan deal for Middlesbrough striker |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/60201789 |access-date=31 January 2022 |work=BBC Sport |date=31 January 2022}} Steve Morison, manager of the Bluebirds, had needed a quick replacement after Kieffer Moore forced through a late move to AFC Bournemouth.{{cite news |last1=Williams |first1=Glen |title=Cardiff City complete loan move for Middlesbrough star Uche Ikpeazu |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/cardiff-city-complete-loan-signing-22939897 |access-date=1 February 2022 |work=WalesOnline |date=31 January 2022 |language=en}} Middlesbrough had wanted to offload Ikpeazu on a permanent transfer but relented with Cardiff's request for it to be a loan signing.{{cite news |last1=Williams |first1=Glen |title=Cardiff City back in for Uche Ikpeazu as Middlesbrough perform major U-turn |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/cardiff-city-back-uche-ikpeazu-22938047 |access-date=1 February 2022 |work=WalesOnline |date=31 January 2022 |language=en}} On 2 February, he came on as a substitute against Barnsley to make his Cardiff debut. He scored the winning goal in a 1–0 victory.{{cite news |title=Barnsley 0–1 Cardiff|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/60135775 |access-date=3 February 2022 |work=BBC Sport |date=2 February 2022}} Despite only starting one game for the Bluebirds, he made a further twelve appearances from the bench and scored a total of three goals and was a popular figure with supporters at the Cardiff City Stadium.{{cite news |last1=Williams |first1=Glen |title=Unseen Cardiff moments as star suffers illness and Uche loves chant |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/unseen-cardiff-city-v-birmingham-23835754 |access-date=22 May 2022 |work=WalesOnline |date=1 May 2022 |language=en}}
=Konyaspor=
On 13 August 2022, Ikpeazu signed with Turkish Süper Lig side Konyaspor on a free transfer with a sell-on clause.{{cite news |title=Uche Ikpeazu Joins Turkish Outfit Konyaspor |url=https://www.mfc.co.uk/news/2022/august/13/uche-ikpeazu-joins-turkish-outfit-konyaspor/ |access-date=13 August 2022 |work=Middlesbrough FC |date=13 August 2022}}{{cite news |last1=Johns |first1=Craig |title=Ikpeazu leaves Boro for Turkey as Fletcher completes Championship loan |url=https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/ikpeazu-leaves-middlesbrough-turkey-ex-24749405 |access-date=13 August 2022 |work=TeessideLive |date=13 August 2022 |language=en}} He was sent off after receiving two yellow cards during a 2–2 draw at Trabzonspor on 6 November.{{cite news |last1=Richings |first1=James |title=A familiar face: Should Wycombe re-sign former fan favourite Uche Ikpeazu? |url=https://www.bucksfreepress.co.uk/sport/23231865.uche-ikpeazu-re-join-wycombe-wanderers-january/ |access-date=12 May 2023 |work=Bucks Free Press |date=5 January 2023 |language=en}} His contract with Konyaspor was terminated in early September 2023.{{TFF player|2420134}} Ikpeazu was reported to be close to a return to Wycombe Wanderers, but the deal failed to materialize.{{cite web|last1=Richings |first1=James |publisher=Bucks Free Press |url=https://www.bucksfreepress.co.uk/sport/23757705.uche-ikpeazu-set-move-back-wycombe-wanderers/|title=Uche Ikpeazu set for a move back to Wycombe Wanderers|date=31 August 2023|access-date=29 September 2023}}{{cite web|last1=Richings |first1=James|publisher=Bucks Free Press |url=https://www.bucksfreepress.co.uk/highwycombe/23772618.updated-provided-uche-ikpeazus-pending-wycombe-move/|title=Update provided on Uche Ikpeazu's pending Wycombe move|date=6 September 2023|access-date=29 September 2023}}
=Port Vale=
On 4 October 2023, Ikpeazu signed a contract with Port Vale to run until the end of the 2023–24 season.{{cite news |title=Vale re-sign striker Ikpeazu for rest of season |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/67009215 |access-date=4 October 2023 |work=BBC Sport |date=4 October 2023}} Director of football, David Flitcroft, stated that "Uche is a powerhouse of a player and provides us with another dimension that combines and compliments our other attacking options and we have brought him in at this stage of the season to provide further competition for places".{{cite news |title=Uche Ikpeazu is a Valiant |url=https://www.port-vale.co.uk/news/2023/october/uche-ikpeazu-is-a-valiant/ |access-date=4 October 2023 |work = Port Vale F.C. |date=4 October 2023 |language=en-gb}} He was short of match fitness on his arrival. Hence, manager Andy Crosby began steadily giving him more game minutes as the weeks progressed.{{cite news |last1=Baggaley |first1=Mike |title=Port Vale battling the odds but stay in FA Cup |url=https://portvalethevaliant.substack.com/p/port-vale-battling-the-odds-but-stay |access-date=12 November 2023 |work=Valiant's Substack |date=5 November 2023}} He played a full 90 minutes for the first time on 14 November, and was described by opposition manager Dino Maamria as "unplayable" in a 2–0 win at Burton Albion.{{cite news |last1=Baggaley |first1=Mike |title=Outstanding Port Vale overcome absences with FA Cup win |url=https://portvalethevaliant.substack.com/p/outstanding-port-vale-overcome-absences |access-date=15 November 2023 |work=Valiant's Substack |date=15 November 2023}} He scored his first goal in his second spell for the club on 6 January, in a 3–3 draw with Charlton Athletic, and was named on the EFL team of the week having made six shots, won five aerial duels and completed four dribbles during the game.{{cite news |title=See who made the EFL Team of the Week |url=https://www.efl.com/news/2024/january/07/see-who-made-the-efl-team-of-the-week/ |access-date=8 January 2024 |work=EFL |date=7 January 2024 |language=en}} Charlton had a transfer bid accepted for the player later in the month but the move never materialised.{{cite news |last1=Baggaley |first1=Mike |title=Port Vale injury and transfer window updates ahead of Portsmouth |url=https://portvalethevaliant.substack.com/p/port-vale-injury-and-transfer-window |access-date=27 January 2024 |work=Valiant's Substack |date=25 January 2024}} Instead the player picked up a dislocated shoulder and was ruled out of action until mid-April.{{cite news |last1=Baggaley |first1=Mike |title=Mighten signs as Vale look at more transfer deadline day business |url=https://portvalethevaliant.substack.com/p/mighten-signs-as-vale-look-at-more |access-date=2 February 2024 |work=Valiant's Substack |date=1 February 2024}} He did, though, return to fitness two weeks ahead of schedule.{{cite news |last1=Baggaley |first1=Mike |title=Port Vale chief exec talks season tickets, spending and plans |url=https://portvalethevaliant.substack.com/p/port-vale-chief-exec-talks-season |access-date=4 April 2024 |work=Valiant's Substack |date=4 April 2024}} He scored one goal from 26 games as the club were relegated and he then entered negotiations for a new contract.{{cite news |last1=Baggaley |first1=Mike |title=Rating the squad, the retained list and looking ahead |url=https://portvalethevaliant.substack.com/p/rating-the-squad-the-retained-list |access-date=29 April 2024 |work=Valiant's Substack |date=29 April 2024}}
=St Johnstone=
On 30 May 2024, Ikpeazu agreed to a two-year contract with Scottish Premiership club St Johnstone, who were managed by his former boss at Hearts, Craig Levein.{{cite news |title=Deal agreed for Uche Ikpeazu |url= https://www.perthstjohnstonefc.co.uk/news/article/deal-agreed-for-uche-ikpeazu |access-date=30 May 2024 |work = St Johnstone F.C. |date=30 May 2024 |language=en-gb}} Ikpeazu suffered an accident at home just before the start of pre-season, however, and the resulting "freak injury" left him requiring knee surgery and ruled him out of action until April 2025 when he was named as a substitute for the Scottish Cup semi-final against Celtic at Hampden.{{cite news |title=Injury blow for St Johnstone as Ikpaezu sidelined by accident |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cpv3dxllkp2o |access-date=30 June 2024 |work=BBC Sport |date=27 June 2024}} It was a meniscus tear in his knee that appeared due to wear and tear.{{cite news |last1=Nicolson |first1=Eric |title=EXCLUSIVE: Forgotten St Johnstone striker Uche Ikpeazu opens up on injury ordeal |url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/sport/football/st-johnstone/5104651/exclusive-uche-ikpeazu-st-johnstone-injury/ |access-date=15 May 2025 |work=The Courier |date=17 October 2024}} The ongoing injury saga required five operations, meaning that he barely featured under new manager Simo Valakari.{{cite news |last1=Nicolson |first1=Eric |title=Uche Ikpeazu undergoes THIRD operation as no end in sight to St Johnstone striker's injury ordeal |url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/sport/football/st-johnstone/5178816/uche-ikpeazu-st-johnstone-third-operation/ |access-date=15 May 2025 |work=The Courier |date=7 February 2025}}{{cite news |last1=Nicolson |first1=Eric |title=St Johnstone striker Uche Ikpeazu opens up on injury nightmare after FIVE knee operations |url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/sport/football/st-johnstone/5226333/uche-ikpeazu-st-johnstone-operations/ |access-date=15 May 2025 |work=The Courier |date=21 April 2025}} He returned to action at the end of the 2024–25 campaign to help in the club's fight against relegation, stating that he was ready for the challenge and that "pressure is a privilege" as he made his club debut in April.{{cite news |last1=Lindsay |first1=Clive |title=Player to watch - Uche Ikpeazu (St Johnstone) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/articles/cgjl0z15yw1o |access-date=15 May 2025 |work=BBC Sport |date=25 April 2025}}{{cite news |title='Pressure is a privilege' for fit-again St Johnstone striker Ikpeazu |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/articles/cwy3j40jd3do |access-date=15 May 2025 |work=BBC Sport |date=9 May 2025}}{{cite news |last1=Mackie |first1=Fraser |title=Uche Ikpeazu takes significant stride towards St Johnstone debut as boss talks Drey Wright injury cover |url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/sport/football/st-johnstone/5219862/uche-ikpeazu-st-johnstone-debut/ |access-date=15 May 2025 |work=The Courier |date=10 April 2025}} St Johnstone were relegated with one game to spare.{{cite news |title=Scottish Premiership: St Johnstone relegated, Rodgers hits out at Aberdeen’s Gueye |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/may/14/scottish-premiership-st-johnstone-relegated-celtic-thrash-aberdeen |access-date=15 May 2025 |work=The Guardian |date=14 May 2025}}
International career
Ikpeazu was called up to the Uganda squad by head coach Johnathan McKinstry for two 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualification matches in March 2020, but the games were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Uganda.{{cite news |last1=Banks |first1=Ben |title=International debut for Hearts' Uche Ikpeazu put on hold |url=https://www.nottheoldfirm.com/news/international-debut-for-hearts-uche-ikpeazu-put-on-hold/ |access-date=5 April 2020 |work=Not The Old Firm |date=16 March 2020}} McKinstry's successor, Milutin Sredojević, attempted to call him up in April 2022 but Ikpeazu wanted to stay in Wales and try and fight for his place in the Cardiff City team.{{cite news |last1=Williams |first1=Glen |title=Cardiff City headlines as star told to make call over his future |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/cardiff-city-transfer-headlines-star-23787688 |access-date=22 May 2022 |work=WalesOnline |date=26 April 2022 |language=en}} He was called up again in May 2024.{{cite news |last1=Baggaley |first1=Mike |title=England pride and analysing Vale's new signing |url=https://portvalethevaliant.substack.com/p/england-pride-and-analysing-vales |access-date=29 May 2024 |work=Valiant's Substack |date=23 May 2024}}
Style of play
Ikpeazu is an athletic {{height|ft=6|in=3}} forward who possesses pace and power but sometimes struggles with ball control.{{cite news|title=Boss Page delighted to see Ikpeazu with Valiants|url=http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Boss-Page-delighted-Ikpeazu-Valiants/story-26887209-detail/story.html|access-date=13 July 2015|newspaper=The Sentinel|location=Stoke|date=13 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713200906/http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Boss-Page-delighted-Ikpeazu-Valiants/story-26887209-detail/story.html|archive-date=13 July 2015|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}{{cite news|title=Hearts player ends up on floor|url=https://www.sportbible.com/football/reactions-news-weird-hearts-player-somehow-ends-up-on-floor-after-trying-to-control-ball-20200203}} He has said that "my strength is my strength and I have to use that but I have other aspects to my game".{{cite news |last1=Anderson |first1=Barry |title=Hearts striker Uche Ikpeazu: 'People want to fight me. They can try' |url=https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/sport/football/hearts/hearts-striker-uche-ikpeazu-people-want-to-fight-me-they-can-try-1-4881787 |access-date=17 May 2019 |work=www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com |date=2 March 2019 |language=en}}
Career statistics
{{updated|match played 14 May 2025}}
{{reflist|group=lower-alpha}}
Honours
Heart of Midlothian
- Scottish Cup runner-up: 2018–19
References
{{reflist}}
External links
{{commons category}}
- {{Soccerbase}}
{{St Johnstone F.C. squad}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Ikpeazu, Uche}}
Category:Footballers from the London Borough of Harrow
Category:People from Harrow, London
Category:English men's footballers
Category:Men's association football forwards
Category:Didcot Town F.C. players
Category:Crewe Alexandra F.C. players
Category:Doncaster Rovers F.C. players
Category:Port Vale F.C. players
Category:Blackpool F.C. players
Category:Cambridge United F.C. players
Category:Heart of Midlothian F.C. players
Category:Wycombe Wanderers F.C. players
Category:Middlesbrough F.C. players
Category:Cardiff City F.C. players
Category:Konyaspor footballers
Category:St Johnstone F.C. players
Category:Southern Football League players
Category:English Football League players
Category:Scottish Professional Football League players
Category:Black British sportsmen
Category:English people of Nigerian descent
Category:Sportspeople of Nigerian descent
Category:English people of Ugandan descent
Category:Sportspeople of Ugandan descent
Category:English expatriate men's footballers
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Turkey