Sheffield United have officially confirmed the signing of Nigerian winger Ehije Success Ukaki from Bulgarian top-flight club Botev Plovdiv, marking the club’s first signing of the summer transfer window. The 20-year-old joins the Blades on a three-year contract, running until 2028.
Ukaki’s transfer is part of Sheffield United’s AI-powered recruitment strategy, developed in partnership with COH Sports.
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The system identified the youngster as a high-potential talent based on a range of data-driven performance metrics, including pace, dribbling ability, and tactical awareness. He becomes the second Nigerian signed through this model after the arrival of Christian Nwachukwu, also from Botev, earlier this year.
The Lagos-born winger had an impressive season in Bulgaria, scoring seven goals and providing four assists in 37 appearances for Botev Plovdiv during the 2024/25 campaign. He also featured in four European competition qualifiers, gaining valuable international experience despite his young age.
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder expressed excitement about the new signing, calling Ukaki “an emerging talent” and emphasizing the club’s long-term commitment to developing young players. “We’re looking forward to seeing how far he can go,” Wilder said. “He fits the profile of what we’re building at the club.”
In a video message to fans, Ukaki said: “Hello Blades fans.
It’s great to be signing for Sheffield United. I’m looking forward to moving over and I’m ready for the challenge. Up the Blades!”
Ukaki will join the squad for pre-season training, which includes a camp in Spain and fixtures against York, Chesterfield, Rotherham, and Burton. With his blend of European experience and raw attacking flair, the Nigerian winger is expected to bring fresh energy and creativity to Sheffield United’s attacking options in the Championship next season.
