After Wycombe’s 2-0 loss against Sunderland in the League One play-off final, manager Gareth Ainsworth confirmed that the club are working on ‘personnel and characteristics’ to replace Adebayo Akinfenwa.

The striker, 40, has officially retired from the game after six seasons with the club, which saw him score 61 goals in 250 appearances.

His departure means at the time of writing, there are only two recognised senior strikers on the books at Wycombe respectively in Sam Vokes and Brandon Hanlan, whilst the likes of Tjay De Barr, Connor Parsons, and Ali Al-Hamadi are part of the development team and spent time out on loan from Wanderers last season.

READ MORE: Ainsworth reveals Wycombe are looking at 'personnel and characteristics' to replace Akinfenwa

Of course, new faces joining the Adams Park club will be a given, so, who could be the perfect replacement for Adebayo Akinfenwa?

In my opinion, the answer is a player that is familiar with Wycombe Wanderers, and that person is Uche Ikpeazu.

Why should he re-sign for Wanderers?

When Wycombe confirmed the signing of Ikpeazu in 2020 ahead of their debut season in the Championship, there was a sense of excitement as he seemed to be one of the vital pieces of Wanderers’ survival puzzle.

However, numerous injury setbacks in the first-half of 2020/21 limited the Ugandan striker to just six appearances from the start of the season to the end of December, with every outing being as a substitute.

Uche Ikpeazu (pictured against Barnsley in March 2021) scored six goals for Wycombe and was known for his committment and hard work (PA)

Uche Ikpeazu (pictured against Barnsley in March 2021) scored six goals for Wycombe and was known for his commitment and hard work (PA)

It wasn’t until December 29, 2020, that he got his first start which was in a 2-1 home victory over Cardiff City, and a few days later on January 2, 2021, he got his first of six goals for the club in a 3-1 loss against Middlesbrough at Adams Park.

READ MORE: Uche Ikpeazu signs for Wycombe from Hearts on a free transfer

After a difficult start to the campaign for Ikpeazu and for Wanderers, 2021 saw why he was brought in from Heart of Midlothian.

His strength, his heading ability, his work rate, his desire to win the ball, and the encouragement he gave his teammates were just some of the factors why Gareth Ainsworth wanted to sign the striker.

As the season went on, Ikpeazu started to make a name for himself.

Goals against Brentford, Derby County, Barnsley, Bristol City and a stunning strike against Bournemouth respectively, showcased his ability when fully fit, and even though the club were relegated that year, Ikpeazu was being linked with moves to keep in him the Championship.

A transfer to Middlesbrough 12 months ago followed and even though his time at Adams Park was brief, the fans, who could only watch from afar due to the coronavirus pandemic, thanked him for his efforts.

READ MORE: Championship clubs eye up Wycombe striker Uche Ikpeazu

However, the move to the North East has so far not worked out.

Signed by Neil Warnock who eventually left in November of that year, Ikpeazu in six months, scored three goals in all competitions across 22 games for the Boro with nine of those appearances being starts.

Neil Warnock signed Ikpeazu from Wycombe in July 2021, but resigned from the job in November of that year (PA)

Neil Warnock signed Ikpeazu from Wycombe in July 2021, but resigned from the job in November of that year (PA)

He was eventually shipped out by new manager Chris Wilder to Cardiff City on loan in January this year, where he bagged three goals in 13 matches, but he only started one of those games.

In all, he did not complete 90 minutes for either Middlesbrough or Cardiff last season.

READ MORE: Big boots to fill - Who can replace Uche Ikpeazu following his move to Middlesbrough?

As stated by the72.co.uk and Teesside Live, it has been reported that Ikpeazu is deemed surplus to requirements and can leave the Riverside Stadium.

And with Wycombe needing a striker to fill the boots of Akinfenwa, Ikpeazu returning to Adams Park could work for both parties.