Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has shed light on his vision for new signing Chuba Akpom, outlining the versatile role he believes the forward can play in the club’s Championship campaign. The 28-year-old, who arrived with a proven scoring record and a reputation for adaptability, has given McKenna additional tactical options heading into the crucial months ahead.
Akpom’s arrival has generated considerable excitement among Town supporters, particularly given his standout season at Middlesbrough, where he scored 28 goals across all competitions. That prolific form earned him the Championship Golden Boot and underlined his ability to influence games in multiple ways. However, McKenna’s comments suggest that Ipswich won’t necessarily use him in the exact same role as at his previous club.
Speaking to local media this week, McKenna explained that Akpom’s skill set allows for both central and deeper attacking responsibilities. “Chuba is a player who can operate in different areas of the pitch,” McKenna said. “Of course, he has the instinct of a striker, but he’s equally comfortable dropping into pockets between the lines to link play. That versatility is something we think can be very valuable to our squad.”
The Ipswich boss also hinted at the possibility of Akpom playing alongside another forward in certain systems. With Town’s attacking options including George Hirst and Nathan Broadhead, McKenna has been exploring formations that could maximise his squad’s strengths. “We’ve got players who can stretch defences, and Chuba can work off that movement,” he added. “Whether that’s as a No. 9, a second striker, or an advanced No. 10, he has the intelligence and mobility to adapt.”
Akpom’s technical ability is one of the main reasons McKenna sees him as more than just a traditional front man. His close control, sharp turns, and eye for a defence-splitting pass make him an asset in transition play. This could be particularly useful for Ipswich when breaking down compact Championship defences — a challenge the team is likely to face frequently after their strong start to the season.
Fitness and integration will be key factors in determining how quickly Akpom can make his mark. Having missed parts of pre-season, the forward has been undergoing a tailored training programme to reach peak condition.
McKenna stressed that rushing him back too quickly would be counterproductive, but was confident that Akpom’s understanding of the game would speed up his adaptation. “He’s an experienced player who knows the demands of this league,” McKenna said. “Once he’s fully fit, we’ll see the best of him.”
Fans have already been speculating about the potential link-up play between Akpom and Ipswich’s creative midfielders. The prospect of him combining with the likes of Conor Chaplin or Massimo Luongo in advanced areas could give Town an extra edge in attack. Given the manager’s emphasis on fluidity and interchangeability, it would not be surprising to see Akpom rotating between positions even within the same match.
For McKenna, the challenge — and the opportunity — lies in harnessing Akpom’s adaptability without compromising the team’s structure. If the balance is right, Ipswich could have a player capable of both scoring and creating at a high level, adding another dimension to their promotion push.
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on how McKenna deploys his new forward. Whether leading the line or orchestrating play from deeper areas, Chuba Akpom appears set to become a pivotal figure in Ipswich Town’s plans.
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