Shrewsbury Town sign Wolves youngster Temple Ojinnaka on loan

The 20-year-old becomes Salop's sixth addition of the January transfer window and the second arrival within 24 hours, following the signing of defender Isaac Lee from Flint Town United.

Ojinnaka, who can play in midfield, as a centre-back or full-back, has been training with Shrewsbury over the past few days prior to securing the move. He recently featured on the bench during Wolves’ Premier League clashes with Manchester United and Everton. 

Salop boss Michael Appleton said the club had been monitoring the Italian youngster for some time.

He said: "Temple is somebody I have been aware of for a while - Sean Parrish has also worked with him previously.

"He caught my eye in a game I watched earlier this season because he likes a tackle, he is a big presence and he can get across the ground.

"He played in midfield that day. I then spoke to Pash about him who said he can play in numerous positions.

"We kept an eye on him. We knew there was a possibility of getting him in for a few days, which we did."We then very quickly got to an agreement. We are delighted to have him on board."

Born in Italy, Ojinnaka joined Wolves at the age of 12 and has progressed through the academy ranks. Standing at 6ft 2ins, he signed his first professional contract with the Premier League club in February 2023.

Ojinnaka rose through the Wolves academy quickly, moving up to the under-18s as a 15-year-old and becoming a regular at that level. 

The 20-year-old has made 12 appearances for Wolves under-21s this season and was recently named captain in their last three matches. He was involved in their recent Premier League 2 victory over Norwich City.

Ojinnaka is Shrewsbury's seventh loanee within Michael Appleton's squad, joining recent arrivals Trey Ogunsuyi, Iwan Morgan and Matt Cox, alongside Ismeal Kabia, Tommy McDermott and Bradley Ihionvien, who is currently out with injury.

In the Football League, clubs are only permitted to include a maximum of five loan players in a matchday squad.

However, speaking earlier this month, the Salop boss said he was not concerned about exceeding that threshold and having to leave a player out.

"The loan market is a lot easier for us to do our work in," he said. "If that means we go above the five loans that you can have on a matchday then so be it.

"There is always injuries at most football clubs, so if we have to make a decision at times where one misses out, then so be it.

"We have got to find a way of making sure w try and bring quality in, and in the right areas of the pitch.