Category: Ipswich town

 

 

As Ipswich Town prepare for the 2025/26 season following their remarkable return to the Premier League, speculation around transfer activity is heating up.

Kieran McKenna’s side, known for their high-energy pressing and structured midfield play, are expected to strengthen their squad significantly — and the midfield appears to be a key area of focus. Here’s a look at the midfielders linked with a move to Portman Road in recent weeks.

 

Jacob Greaves (Hull City)

 

While primarily a centre-back, Jacob Greaves has occasionally slotted into a holding midfield role, prompting links with Ipswich, especially as McKenna reportedly admires his ball-playing abilities. Though not a conventional midfielder, his versatility could be attractive to a team needing squad depth. Hull may be reluctant to sell, but a bid north of £10 million could tempt them.

 

Lewis Fiorini (Manchester City)

 

Ipswich are also rumoured to be eyeing Manchester City midfielder Lewis Fiorini. The 22-year-old spent last season on loan at Blackpool, showing flashes of creativity and long-range passing that could suit McKenna’s tactical approach. With City likely to sanction a permanent deal or another Championship loan, Ipswich could be well-placed to swoop — particularly if Fiorini is open to regular top-flight minutes.

 

Alex Scott (Bournemouth)

 

One of the more ambitious links sees Ipswich reportedly interested in Bournemouth’s Alex Scott. The former Bristol City star has struggled for consistent starts at the Vitality Stadium but remains highly rated for his vision and technical ability. A loan move has been mooted, though Bournemouth may prefer to keep him unless a sizeable offer arrives. Still, Ipswich’s Premier League status could prove persuasive.

 

Matt O’Riley (Celtic)

 

Ipswich are also one of several English clubs monitoring Celtic’s Matt O’Riley. The Danish midfielder was one of the standout performers in the Scottish Premiership last season, combining goals, assists, and relentless work rate.

 

Valued at around £15–20 million, a move would signal serious intent from Town. Whether Ipswich can fend off interest from larger Premier League sides remains to be seen, but their project under McKenna is an increasingly attractive prospect.

 

Joe Rothwell (Free Agent)

 

With financial pragmatism in mind, Joe Rothwell, recently released by Bournemouth, is another name reportedly on Ipswich’s radar. The 29-year-old brings Premier League experience, positional flexibility, and a good engine. While not the most glamorous name, his availability on a free transfer makes him a logical squad addition — particularly if Ipswich want reliable depth without breaking the bank.

 

Summary

 

Midfield reinforcements are clearly a priority for Ipswich Town this summer, with names ranging from young talents like Fiorini to established professionals like O’Riley and Rothwell. McKenna’s ability to improve players and integrate them into his dynamic system may be key to attracting new arrivals.

Whether Ipswich splash out on a marquee name or build smartly with depth and potential in mind, the midfield will be a space to watch closely as the transfer window progresses.

 

 

 

Ipswich Town will be making early preparations for their return to the Championship.

 

The Suffolk-based outfit endured a miserable return to the big time, failing to bridge the gap between second tier sides and the established top-flight clubs after Kieran McKenna’s men collected just 22 points.

 

Ipswich know that they will be expected to leapfrog straight back to the Premier League due to the superior financial resources they possess, although a successful summer transfer window will be imperative for the club to compete towards the top end of the table.

 

With this in mind, Football League World has rounded up the latest news surrounding the club.

 

Brentford eyeing Kieran McKenna move to replace Thomas Frank

Kieran McKenna after Ipswich Town’s win vs Chelsea

As per TBR Football, Brentford have placed Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna on their list of targets to replace Thomas Frank, who is set to depart the Bees for Tottenham Hotspur.

 

Brentford have reportedly been impressed with the success McKenna has brought to Portman Road over the last few years, and he is a name firmly on their radar.

 

Liam Rosenior is also in the mix after impressing in his first year with French side Strasbourg, while there has been talk of assistant manager Justin Cochrane taking the reins, although an internal promotion is believed to be unlikely at this stage.

 

Understandably turning down Brighton due to Ipswich’s participation in the Premier League last season, it could well be a different story this term, with the Bees potentially offering McKenna a fast-track route back into the top-flight.

 

Dara O’Shea committed to Ipswich Town cause amid PL speculation

dara o’shea in text

Ipswich Town defender Dara O’Shea has outlined his commitment to Ipswich Town in the Championship, despite links to Premier League clubs surfacing.

 

The former West Brom centre-back recorded a third relegation on his CV and is rumoured to have interest from Premier League clubs yet again, including former employers Burnley, as well as Leeds and Wolves.

 

But when talking to the Irish Mirror, O’Shea insisted he was in it for the long haul at Portman Road.

 

Reported by the Irish Mirror, O’Shea said: “I’m fully committed to Ipswich at the moment.

 

“I’ve got another four years there, and I want to get the club back into the Premier League.

 

“I’m ambitious as a player, and obviously I want to be playing in the Premier League, but I know it’s not as easy as that. Whatever happens in football, it happens for a reason. You have a journey, and you’ve got to stick to that sometimes.

 

“I feel like I’m well capable of playing in the Premier League, and I’ve got to get myself back there now. I spoke to the gaffer at Ipswich and that’s the task he’s set me – to carry on those standards of a Premier League player and still owe it to myself to be like that.

 

“It’s really hard when you come off the back of relegation, but I’m happy with how I played. I’ve grown into a leader and I play better when I have that responsibility.”

 

Sam Morsy exit plan revealed as Middle East sides look to pounce

Sam Morsy

According to TEAMtalk, Ipswich Town captain Sam Morsy may leave the club this summer, with the Tractor Boys believed to be willing for him to exit for free, despite having another year left on his current deal.

 

Morsy has reportedly agreed to these terms, with TEAMtalk adding sides in the Middle East are monitoring the situation.

 

Emmanuel Latte Lath for Middlesbrough and Kieran McKenna for Ipswich Town

 

Ipswich Town eyeing 26-year-old ex-Middlesbrough striker – 4 months after completing £22.5m transfer

Morsy has played such a pivotal role in Ipswich’s rise up the leagues, and it would be such a sad ending to a glittering spell in Suffolk.

 

It does appear puzzling why Ipswich would let a figure with such experience and guile go in the heart of their engine room, with that second-tier knowhow potentially vital to securing immediate promotion back to the Premier League.

 

 

Ipswich Town: Eight Strikers Who Could Replace Liam Delap

 

With Liam Delap returning to Manchester City after a loan spell at Portman Road, Ipswich Town are on the hunt for a new striker to spearhead their attack.

Delap’s physicality, pressing, and ability to stretch defences were crucial components of Kieran McKenna’s system. Replacing him won’t be easy, but there are several exciting options who could fill the void. Here are eight strikers Ipswich Town should consider this summer.

 

1. Kieffer Moore (AFC Bournemouth)

An experienced Championship forward, Moore would offer Ipswich aerial dominance and a proven goal threat. With Premier League experience and a strong work ethic, he could be a leader on and off the pitch. Moore may be available if Bournemouth reshuffle their squad.

 

2. Ellis Simms (Coventry City)

Simms enjoyed a productive 2023–24 season and could be tempted by a move if offered a prominent role. At 6’3”, he’s a strong, mobile striker with Championship pedigree and Premier League potential. Ipswich’s attacking style may suit him perfectly.

 

3. Jerry Yates (Swansea City)

Yates is a tenacious forward known for pressing from the front and scoring in bursts. Though he had a quiet campaign last season, his movement and energy would make him a good fit in McKenna’s system. He also adds versatility, being able to play in a front two.

 

4. Josh Maja (West Bromwich Albion)

A smart, technical striker, Maja could thrive in Ipswich’s possession-based approach. Injuries have hindered his impact at West Brom, but he remains a clinical finisher when fit. A fresh start could rejuvenate his career.

 

5. Liam Millar (FC Basel)

The Canadian international has pace and creativity, offering a slightly different profile from Delap. While more of a wide forward, Millar has played centrally and would suit Ipswich’s fluid attacking style. A loan or permanent move could be viable.

 

6. Tom Cannon (Leicester City)

Cannon had a breakthrough spell at Preston before joining Leicester. With limited minutes under Enzo Maresca, a loan move could benefit all parties. He’s quick, confident, and has the finishing ability to shine in a team like Ipswich.

 

7. Jamal Lowe (Free Agent)

Recently released by Bournemouth, Lowe brings versatility and Championship experience. He’s comfortable as a central striker or winger and could offer short-term impact with minimal financial risk. His pressing and directness could replicate some of Delap’s strengths.

 

8. Rhys Healey (Free Agent)

Having returned from France, Healey is a wildcard option. He boasts a strong scoring record in Ligue 2 and MLS, and at 29, he’s entering his peak years. If Ipswich want a hungry, proven finisher, Healey might be worth a punt.

 

 

Replacing Delap won’t just be about goals—it’s about finding a forward who fits Ipswich’s high-tempo, intelligent system. Whether they opt for youth, experience, or a tactical curveball, the next striker will play a crucial role in Town’s Championship ambitions—or potentially, a Premier League push.

 

 

 

 

 

Liam Delap finalised his transfer from Ipswich Town to Chelsea this week, but EFL Analysis understands another one of Kieran McKenna’s strikers faces an uncertain future.

 

Ipswich Town’s Premier League dream came crashing down last term, with Kieran McKenna’s men suffering an instant return to the Championship in 19th position.

 

Although McKenna had an expensively assembled squad to select from, there were only a few rare highlights, and one of those was Liam Delap.

 

The 22-year-old plundered 12 Premier League goals for the Tractor Boys, and now, Delap has completed his £30m move to Chelsea.

 

It leaves Ipswich needing to find a replacement for the Englishman, and he isn’t the only one poised to exit Portman Road.

 

 

Ipswich Town striker Ali Al-Hamadi faces an uncertain future

Ipswich are looking to invest in new strikers to not only replace Delap but complement the likes of George Hirst, Nathan Broadhead and Ali Al-Hamadi.

 

The one who arguably faces the most uncertain future, though, is Al-Hamadi, who spent the second half of the season on loan at Stoke City after playing just 124 minutes in the top flight.

 

To get the lowdown on where Ipswich currently stand with their striker situation, and particularly the future of the Iraq international, EFL Analysis spoke to Chief Football Correspondent Graeme Bailey.

 

“I’m not sure Al-Hamadi has much of a future there given how much we know that Ipswich are looking to invest in new strikers, but that depends on how many strikers Kieran McKenna wants,” Bailey said.

 

“He may want four strikers, which some teams do like and there’s history for it in terms of teams getting promoted. Could I see him going next season with four strikers? Why not?

 

“They’ve got the finances to do it. You can pay for it in that squad. So why wouldn’t they? And with someone like Al-Hamadi, he’s someone McKenna signed, so they do like him.

 

“Obviously he wasn’t available in the Premier League. But I think there’s a chance he stays. It would just depend on him if he wants to. Does he want to play? He’s not going to be leading the line, but if he fancies his chances of competing, he could stay. What we do know is they’re going to bring at least one big name in, but he could be one of four there.”

 

Al-Hamadi has to leave Ipswich for guaranteed minutes

Al-Hamadi’s journey from playing at AFC Wimbledon in League Two to the Premier League in less than a year was nothing short of remarkable.

 

But after a return of five goals in 27 appearances for Ipswich, the 23-year-old hasn’t discovered his prolific edge at a higher level.

 

For the striker to enjoy a successful 2025/26 campaign, he must seek to exit Ipswich, with other Championship clubs surely interested in taking him.

 

That is because, once Ipswich sign a big name to replace Delap, they will have Hirst challenging for first-choice, pushing Al-Hamadi further down the pecking order.

 

Al-Hamadi was labelled ‘incredible’ by teammate Hirst, but he’s yet to prove he can score goals in a promotion-chasing side, suggesting he should leave either on loan or permanently.

Ipswich Town players and head coach Kieran McKenna applaud their fans after losing at St James’ Park

Image caption, Ipswich’s relegation from the Premier League was confirmed by defeat at Newcastle on 26 April

It was always going to be the toughest of challenges for Ipswich Town to compete in the Premier League despite the impetus gained from back-to-back promotions.

 

But with a highly rated young head coach in Kieran McKenna, some promising signings and an enthusiastic fanbase eager to see their team mix it in the top flight after 22 seasons away, it was felt they had a chance.

 

What followed was a ruthless crushing of optimism as they failed to win any of their first 10 games, and just one of the final 19 since the start of this year.

 

Only four victories in the entire season and 22 points from 38 games resulted in two unwanted club records for McKenna’s men as they returned to the Championship 12 months on from a magnificent second place with 96 points.

 

After relegation was confirmed, BBC Radio Suffolk commentator Brenner Woolley told listeners: “The hope is that their next spell in the Championship is as short as their last one and they bounce back at the earliest opportunity.

 

“They have just not been good enough this season, but don’t be sad that it’s over, just be happy that it happened. Ipswich Town will be back.”

 

So, how ready will the Tractor Boys be for another tilt at promotion?

 

 

Having been linked with clubs including Brighton, Chelsea and Manchester United a year ago, 39-year-old McKenna has said he is happy to remain with Ipswich in the second tier.

 

There seems to be no imminent threat to his position from their American owners, but that support could evaporate if they do not make a good start to the new campaign.

 

Of course, nothing can be taken for granted in the Championship as Luton Town found to their cost following relegation from the top flight – the Hatters will start 2025-26 back in League One.

 

Mick Mills, who captained Ipswich to FA Cup and Uefa Cup triumphs during 16 years at Portman Road in the 1970s and 80s, told BBC Radio Suffolk: “As these guys work their way through management, their CVs fluctuate.

 

“Sometimes they read beautifully and they are much in demand and then all of a sudden, they just get a little bit tarnished, and they’re not in demand.

 

“At the moment, Kieran has got a little black mark on his. You’ll have one or two [interested clubs] that were stepping forward last year, just retreating a little bit. If he gets us back up, they’ll come forward again.”

 

 

Nothing drastic, Ipswich squad in strong position – McKenna

 

McKenna’s contract runs until the summer of 2028 and speaking following their final-day defeat by West Ham, the Northern Irishman insisted they had the basis of a really good squad in place for next season.

 

Top scorer Liam Delap, though, has left after a single season during which he attracted plenty of positive headlines, with Chelsea having signed the 22-year-old.

 

Massimo Luongo has been released but several players remain from the Championship squad of 2024, some of them perhaps not having enjoyed the amount of Premier League game time they wanted.

 

So, would McKenna be right to build a team around them again?

 

Conor Chaplin scored 13 league goals two seasons ago, but only one in the top flight, and the same downward trend affected forwards Nathan Broadhead and Omari Hutchinson.

 

Wing-back Leif Davis’ goal assists total, meanwhile, fell from 18 to two.

 

“A lot of players that we’ve questioned in the Premier League will go back to the Championship and straight away will look pretty good – and pretty good might be an understatement,” Mills added.

 

“They’ll be comfortable at that level and all of a sudden, individually we’ll be at the right level, and that will mean collectively we’ll be right as well.”

 

On the signings strategy, he added: “What we have to do now is buy the player that is good enough to get us out of the Championship and then is good enough to keep us in the Premier League.

 

“But there’s not too many players out there that are of Premier League standard that will come and help you get out of the Championship. That scenario is difficult.”

 

Despite that, Mills believes Town have a “great chance” to follow the example of Burnley, rather than Luton, and gain promotion at the first attempt after relegation.

 

And it would appear many Ipswich followers share his confidence if extra firepower can be added, despite being wary of other players including Davis and Hutchinson leaving.

 

“As much as I really love George Hirst, I think a full Championship season is quite unlikely for him with his injury record – we’ve got Ali [Al Hamadi] coming back from his loan but I think definitely another striker [is needed],” supporter Lukas told BBC Radio Suffolk’s The Blue Hour.

 

“I’d like to see a Championship-proven striker and I think there’s players out there who might not set the Premier League alight the year after if we go up, but will do the job in the Championship.”

 

Another fan James added: “It was Kieran who said not that long ago that you learn more from the defeats than you do from the victories, he’s certainly had plenty of opportunities for learning this season and you have a lot of confidence, a lot of faith in him to take those learnings on board and to really apply them going forward into the Championship.”

 

Although they believe it will be “tricky” with clubs including Birmingham City and Wrexham coming up and looking to gain promotion at the first attempt, another supporter, Kallum, said: “We have every right to be confident.

 

“There’s going to be an increased expectation, we’re going into it as one of the favourites, if not the favourites.

 

“But I’d like to think there’s good reason for that in terms of the manager looks like he’s going to be staying. There’s that consistency you’re not going to have with the other two sides coming down. Southampton have a new manager in charge and Leicester, Ruud van Nistelrooy is almost certainly not going to be staying, but it’s not a weak division.

 

“Two very ambitious clubs are coming up from League One, but there’s no Leeds, no Burnley, no Sunderland, there’ll be a few teams up there but I’m confident we’ll be one of them.”

 

 

Ipswich Town are setting their sights firmly on an immediate return to the Premier League following their recent relegation. After a season that saw highs, heartbreaks, and lessons learned, the club is determined to bounce back stronger, driven by a passionate fan base, strategic leadership, and a squad eager to prove themselves.

The club’s manager has emphasized the importance of using the pain of relegation as fuel for motivation. “We don’t want to linger in the Championship,” he stated. “The objective is clear—we want to go straight back up.

 

” That clarity of purpose is being echoed throughout the club, from the boardroom to the training pitch. With strong backing from ownership and plans to strengthen key positions in the squad, Ipswich are putting the building blocks in place for  robust promotion campaign.

Last season, despite their relegation, Ipswich showed moments of real quality. Their attacking play was often praised, and the emergence of young talent offers hope for a bright future. However, defensive inconsistencies and a lack of depth exposed the team during critical periods. The coaching staff are addressing these issues head-on, with targeted recruitment and an intense preseason schedule aimed at boosting resilience and consistency.

One of the key elements in Ipswich’s quest for promotion will be retaining core players. Several first-team regulars have already expressed their loyalty to the club, committing to the cause despite interest from other top-flight sides. This stability provides a vital foundation. Additionally, Ipswich are expected to invest smartly in the transfer window, with a focus on Championship-proven players who can handle the demands of a promotion push.

The Championship is an unforgiving league, known for its competitiveness and relentless pace. But Ipswich are no strangers to the challenge. The club has a proud history, and under the stewardship of a modern, data-driven footballing philosophy, they believe they can stand out. The coaching team has also stressed the importance of mental toughness, noting that many promotion races are won not just on talent, but on resilience and belief.

Off the pitch, the support from the fans remains unwavering. Portman Road continues to be a fortress, with high attendance figures and a passionate atmosphere that provides a crucial edge during home fixtures. Club officials are also working to improve fan engagement and community ties, recognizing the role that a united front plays in achieving success.

For Ipswich Town, the road back to the Premier League begins now. There will be no shortcuts or guarantees, but the intent is crystal clear: to be among the promotion contenders from day one. With a blend of ambition, pragmatism, and belief, the Tractor Boys are gearing up for a season that could define their future.

As pre-season looms and preparations intensify, all eyes will be on Ipswich to see if they can turn their mission into reality. One thing is certain—they won’t lack the desire to make a swift return to English football’s top tier.

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Chelsea have taken a significant step toward bolstering their attacking options with the imminent signing of highly-rated striker Liam Delap. The Blues have reportedly agreed personal terms with the Ipswich Town forward, paving the way for a £30 million transfer that is expected to be finalized in the coming days. Delap, 21, is set to sign a six-year contract at Stamford Bridge, marking a major coup for Chelsea’s long-term squad building under manager Enzo Maresca.

 

Delap, son of former Stoke City player Rory Delap, has enjoyed a breakthrough season with Ipswich Town, where he scored 19 goals in all competitions and played a pivotal role in their surprise push for promotion. His blend of physicality, work rate, and finishing ability caught the attention of several Premier League clubs, but it is Chelsea who have acted decisively to secure his signature.

 

The move represents a homecoming of sorts for Delap, who started his career in Manchester City’s academy before a series of loan spells that included time at Stoke City, Hull City, and ultimately Ipswich Town. It was during his loan at Ipswich that Delap finally found consistency, maturing into one of the Championship’s most feared forwards.

 

Chelsea’s interest in Delap has been steadily building over the past few months, with the club’s scouts reportedly impressed by his development, particularly his ability to link up play and press from the front. With Chelsea looking to add more depth and youth to their front line, Delap fits the profile perfectly.

 

The £30 million deal is seen as a statement of intent from the Chelsea hierarchy, who are backing Maresca’s vision of a dynamic, youthful squad capable of challenging for silverware both domestically and in Europe. Delap’s arrival is expected to add healthy competition up front, with Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku already part of the attacking setup.

 

For Delap, the move offers a massive step up in his career and a chance to prove himself at the highest level. Sources close to the player suggest that he is eager to test himself in the Premier League and views Chelsea as the ideal platform to develop under a progressive manager with a clear long-term project.

 

The six-year contract also underscores Chelsea’s commitment to securing top emerging talent on long-term deals, a strategy that has become a hallmark of the club’s post-Abramovich era. With Todd Boehly’s consortium investing heavily in youth and potential, the Delap signing is another example of Chelsea’s focus on building a sustainable future.

 

Ipswich Town, meanwhile, are expected to reinvest the transfer fee into their squad as they prepare for life in the Premier League. While losing Delap is a blow, manager Kieran McKenna had been preparing for his departure, and the fee will allow the club to strengthen in key areas.

 

As the final details are ironed out, Chelsea fans can begin to get excited about their new number nine. If Delap can translate his Championship form into the Premier League, he could well be the next breakout star in blue.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Championship season may be over, but that doesn’t mean that there isn’t plenty going on during the summer break.

 

Clubs up and down the country will be preparing for the Championship 2025/26 season and are working hard to improve their squads.

 

It’s bound to be a tight Championship season to predict from next season, with all three relegated teams fancying their chances of an immediate return, and the likes of Birmingham City eyeing back-to-back promotions.

 

So, with that, here are some of the best transfer stories in our latest round-up.

 

 

Ipswich Town working hard to find Liam Delap replacement

Ipswich Town know that they will be losing Liam Delap this summer and will have to replace their star man.

 

Chelsea are set to sign Delap for £30m and Kieran McKenna’s side have been linked with a whole host of number nines.

 

There’s a chance that Chelsea could loan Marc Guiu to Ipswich to help soften the blow of poaching the Tractor Boys’ star.

 

Guiu scored on his Barcelona debut but has found game time hard to come by in West London and a year at Portman Road could do him the world of good.

 

We also exclusively revealed that Emmanuel Latte Lath is considering a return to England and that Ipswich could reignite their interest.

 

Latte Lath was wanted by Ipswich last season but rejected them in favour of joining Atlanta United from Middlesbrough.

 

Now, just a few months later, maybe a move to Ipswich will finally happen…

 

Jack Rudoni a man in demand

Coventry City may have lost in the Championship play-off semi-final to eventual winners Sunderland, but Jack Rudoni still made headlines for all of the right reasons.

 

Rudoni has excelled in his debut season since joining from Huddersfield Town and his end-of-season form has alerted some sides.

 

 

Sheffield United and Leicester City like Rudoni and their pulling power could be hard to ignore if they receive a lucrative offer.

 

Frank Lampard will want his star players to stay though and Coventry will see the two sides as rivals for promotion.

 

Southampton’s £100m conundrum

Southampton confirmed the appointment of Will Still and will no doubt be one of, if not the favourites to go up.

 

Still has forged a reputation following some excellent work with Brest and Lens in France, but will have the spotlight on him.

 

He’s inheriting a Southampton squad that finished on a measly 12 points last season and will want to cull the team and bring in his own players.

 

 

That may be difficult though as we revealed that Southampton spent £100m on player wages last season and even if they were to get rid of some high earners, they would still boast one of the largest wage bills in the second tier.

 

Business could depend on that and the Saints may have to be more frugal than they planned.

 

Emmanuel Latte Lath for Middlesbrough and Kieran McKenna for Ipswich Town

Ipswich Town are reportedly eyeing a move for Atlanta United striker Emmanuel Latte Lath – less than 12 months after the Tractor Boys’ transfer saga for the Ivorian when he was a Middlesbrough player.

 

That’s according to journalist Scott Wilson at The Northern Echo, who has revealed Latte Lath as one of Ipswich’s potential Liam Delap replacements.

 

Latte Lath only left fellow Championship side Middlesbrough in February this year, joining MLS side Atlanta United in a move that was lined up for most of the January transfer window.

 

Ipswich Town linked with Emmanuel Latte Lath just four months after Atlanta United transfer

 

The Tractor Boys are in search of a new striker with Chelsea reportedly activating the £30m release clause for Delap, fending off interest from Manchester United, Everton, Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest.

 

That sale, plus any others and the parachute payments Ipswich are set to receive this summer, leaves them with money to spend and a striker needed.

 

Nevertheless, few would have expected Latte Lath to be one of those linked, having only left division rivals Middlesbrough a matter of months ago.

 

Ipswich have a longstanding interest in Latte Lath, having tried to sign him multiple times before, including late on in the summer 2024 transfer window, but Boro have stopped their advances each time.

 

Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna, Watford’s Tom Dele-Bashiru

 

“I’d prefer…” – Ipswich Town told to target different Watford star instead of £8m-rated Tom Dele-Bashiru

Emmanuel Latte Lath moving to Ipswich Town would surely raise Middlesbrough eyebrows

The £22.5m transfer of the Ivory Coast international in February to the MLS is already a controversial topic at the Riverside Stadium.

 

Latte Lath finished third in Middlesbrough’s top scorer charts, despite missed the latter part of the season due to his sale.

 

Latte Lath in the Championship this season for Middlesbrough, as per WhoScored

 

Start (Sub)

 

20 (9)

 

Goals

 

11

 

Assists

 

3

 

Shots per 90

 

1.9

 

xG

 

12.18

 

Pass success rate

 

75.8%

 

Michael Carrick’s side were just outside the play-off places when the striker left and ultimately faded towards the end of the season, no doubt impacted by the loss of such a crucial figure.

 

Tommy Conway picked up some of the slack, but Boro enter the window still looking to replace Latte Lath permanently, so it will frustrate many in Middlesbrough if Ipswich strengthen with the very man they are still looking to replace.

 

 

Middlesbrough urged to demand £20m for “standout” 12-goal star as Leeds United and Crystal Palace circle

Latte Lath isn’t exactly flying over in the USA either, netting just five times so far during his stay in Georgia from 16 MLS appearances.

 

Currently, the rapid striker is on a 10-match goalscoring drought for Ronny Delia’s side, which surely must be a cause for concern from Ipswich’s transfer team.

 

Middlesbrough may hold further transfer regret over Emmanuel Latte Lath

Seeing Latte Lath return to the Championship this soon would, by itself, be enough of a regret for Boro, one that will only intensify if he is part of a Tractor Boys outfit that beats Carrick’s side to promotion.

 

But the financial side may also hurt.

 

Yes, they received a club-record fee for Latte Lath, but they had to give 10 per cent of those profits directly to his former club, Italian side Atalanta.

 

Not only that, but there was no sell-on clause reported anywhere as part of Boro’s sale.

 

If there was no such clause in the move, Middlesbrough may feel they’ve left potential funds on the table if the striker moves again this summer. An extra boost to the transfer budget would certainly have soothed the frustration of seeing Latte Lath join a division rival.

 

Lee Hendrie exclusively told Football League World earlier this month that he feels Boro will live to regret their Latte Lath sale. That may already have been true when they missed out on the play-offs, but it certainly will be if they see him join a fellow promotion chaser so soon.

 

 

 

Kalvin Phillips is interested in a return to Leeds United in the upcoming summer transfer window, sources have told Football Insider.

 

It is believed the Whites are keeping tabs on the 29-year-old’s situation with promotion to the Premier League now virtually guaranteed.

 

 

Phillips has spent the 2024-25 campaign on loan with Ipswich Town but the Tractor Boys are set to be relegated – ending any possibility of a permanent move.

 

The former England international is under contract until June 2028 at parent club Man City but it is believed he has no future at the Etihad Stadium.

 

Phillips interested in potential Leeds return

City will sit down to discuss options with Phillips in the off-season and are aware they will need to take a significant hit on the £45million they paid Leeds to land him in 2022.

 

He made just 31 appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side before heading out on loans to West Ham and Ipswich.

 

 

Phillips’ stock was sky-high after his performances in the Premier League with boyhood club Leeds – which saw him become an England regular.

 

Appearances (Starts) 21 (17)

Minutes Played 1442

Goals 1

 

Phillips’ Ipswich stats in the 2024-25 campaign (all competitions)

He made 234 appearances across all competitions with the Whites and achieved promotion to the Premier League under Marcelo Bielsa in the 2019-20 campaign.

 

This season, he has made 21 appearances across all competitions at Ipswich – but is currently on the treatment table with an Achilles injury.

 

Leeds

Phillips became an England regular during his time with Leeds.

Signing a goalkeeper to replace Illan Meslier is one of Leeds’ top priorities this summer after his costly mistakes this season.

 

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