After 22 years in exile from the top flight, this season Ipswich town made an emphatic return to the Premier League.
Under Kieran McKenna’s leadership, Ipswich Town achieved a remarkable feat by securing back-to-back promotions from the third tier to the Premier League, a feat not seen since Southampton in 2012. Throughout McKenna’s tenure, the team has undergone a significant transformation, adopting a high-intensity, attacking style of play that has been consistent throughout the season. As Ipswich prepares for their first Premier League season in a generation, the focus has shifted from on-field performance to concerns about the team’s playing squad.
To ensure a successful third season, the club must strengthen its roster, with survival being the top priority. Effective recruitment could make Ipswich a wildcard team in the Premier League. However, McKenna faces the challenge of retaining his star players, who have showcased their quality in the second tier and may attract interest from larger clubs with greater financial resources. Five Ipswich players, in particular, are expected to generate significant transfer interest this summer.
1. Leif Davis
In a team filled with standout performers, Leif Davis has been Ipswich Town’s most exciting player this season. The 24-year-old left-back, known for his attacking prowess, has been the Championship’s assist king, providing 18 assists throughout the campaign. Despite operating in an attack-heavy system, Davis has also held his own defensively, often tasked with nullifying opposing wingers in one-on-one situations. Under Kieran McKenna’s guidance, the former Leeds United player has made significant strides in his development, showcasing his natural ability that was evident during his loan spell at Bournemouth in 2021.
As Ipswich prepares for their Premier League return, the question remains whether Davis can maintain his offensive threat while continuing to excel defensively against top-flight opposition. While the step up in quality may expose flaws in his game, Davis currently appears ready for the challenges of the Premier League.
Davis’ impressive performances have attracted significant transfer speculation, with West Ham United reportedly interested in the left-back. Ipswich fans will be hoping to avoid a repeat of the situation nine years ago when the Hammers signed Aaron Creswell from the Tractor Boys for a bargain fee.To continue their progression in the Premier League, it is crucial for Ipswich to retain Davis, who is integral to McKenna’s playing style and possesses the quality to compete with some of the best players in the league.
| Leif Davis’ Championship season stats | |
|---|---|
| Appearances (Started) | 43 (43) |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assists | 18 |
| Big Chances Created | 15 |
| Clean Sheets | 10 |
| Red Cards | 0 |
| Stats as of May 16th, 2024- As per Neroworldwide | |
2. Sam Morsy
| Sam Morsy’s Championship season stats | |
|---|---|
| Appearances (Started) | |
| Goals | |
| Assists | |
| Big Chances Created | |
| Errors Leading to a Goal | |
| Red Cards | |
| Stats as of May 16th, 2024 – As per Neroworldwide | |
It is crucial for McKenna and Ipswich to retain Morsy within their squad by August. While the team may contemplate a younger option for the upcoming season, Morsy’s dependability and steady performance will be essential in countering their opponents’ offensive capabilities in the next campaign.
3. Christian Walton
Christian Walton has faced a challenge due to the impressive performances of Vaclav Hladky this season. While Walton played a key role in Ipswich’s promotion from League One, he has been relegated to a backup position behind the Czech international in the current campaign. The former recipient of the League One Golden Glove award has been the subject of transfer speculation in the past, and this trend is expected to continue this summer.
Despite this, Walton has agreed to extend his stay at Portman Road for another year. While this extension may deter potential suitors who were previously interested in the player, Walton could potentially be available for a discounted transfer fee and is likely to remain a target for lower-league clubs in the upcoming transfer window.
| Christian Walton’s Championship season stats | ||
|---|---|---|
| Appearances (Started) | 1 (0) | |
| Saves per game | 3 | |
| Goals conceded per game | 3 | |
| Clean sheets | 0 | |
| Stats as of May 16th, 2024 – As per Neroworldwide | ||
4. Marcus Harness
| Marcus Harness’ Championship season stats | ||
|---|---|---|
| Appearances (Started) | 34 (7) | |
| Goals | 4 | |
| Assists | 1 | |
| Big Chances Created | 1 | |
| Red Cards | 0 | |
| Stats as of May 16th, 2024 – As per Neroworldwide | ||
5. Gassan Ahadme
With one year remaining on his Ipswich Town contract, it may be the ideal time for the Tractor Boys to consider selling Moroccan attacker Gassan Ahadme. This season, the 23-year-old has played a significant role in Cambridge United’s successful fight against relegation from League One. During his loan spell at the Abbey Stadium, Ahadme has scored an impressive 11 goals. While it is uncertain whether he will remain in League One next season, the powerful striker would be a statement signing for any team in the division. Ahadme is expected to generate substantial transfer interest in the upcoming window and appears poised to depart Ipswich before the start of the 2024-25 season.
| Gassan Ahadme’s League One season stats | |
|---|---|
| Appearances (Started) | 29 (22) |
| Goals | 11 |
| Assists | 0 |
| Big Chances Created | 0 |
| Red Cards | 0 |
| Stats as of May 16th, 2024- As per Neroworldwide | |
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