Sheffield Wednesday complete double transfer raid on Rotherham United as Michael Ihiekwe joins

Sheffield Wednesday have completed the signing of Michael Ihiekwe. The 29-year-old centre-back will officially join the Owls on a free transfer after rejecting a contract extension at Rotherham United.

Ihiekwe is Wednesday's fifth summer signing and he follows his Millers teammate Michael Smith to Hillsborough. Like Smith, the length of Ihiekwe's contract has not been disclosed.

A statement on the Owls' website read: "Ihiekwe was a mainstay at the heart of the defence as the Millers secured automatic promotion from League One last season, lifting the Papa John’s Trophy along the way.

Sheffield Wednesday strengthen their attacking options with the signing of Michael Smith

"The 29-year-old began his career with the Liverpool academy before moving to the Midlands to join Wolverhampton Wanderers.

"After a fruitful loan spell with Cheltenham Town, it was with Tranmere Rovers in 2016/17 when he truly made a name for himself, proving a vital component at the back as the Wirrall side reached the National League play-off final.

"Ihiekwe switched to Rotherham the same summer and, incorporating another successful loan with Accrington Stanley, became a big hit at the AESSEAL New York Stadium, posting 184 appearances overall and chipping in with 14 goals.

"The versatile stopper - comfortable across the heart of defence - also won promotion to the second tier with the Millers in 2019/20 and played 52 games in all competitions in 2021/22.

"To cap an outstanding season, he was named in the PFA League One Team of the Year this summer, as voted for by his peers."

As well as Ihiekwe and Smith, Wednesday have also recruited Ben Heneghan, David Stockdale and Will Vaulks in this window.

Who is Michael Ihiekwe? Former Liverpool youngster