Ipswich Town are looking to ensure their return to the Championship is only a brief one, with the aim of returning to the Premier League being their ambition for the 2025/26 season.
While supporters may have been looking forward to Championship football at Portman Road following a dismal campaign in the top flight, there is work ongoing to get this squad prepared for the new season.
It was widely mentioned last season that Ipswich Town had bought a squad that would gain promotion from the Championship if the worst were to come to pass in the Premier League.
The talent at the disposal of Kieran McKenna is the envy of every other Championship side, despite the sale of Liam Delap to Chelsea and the rumours surrounding Omari Hutchinson.
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It should be no surprise then that nine of the 10 most expensive signings Ipswich Town have ever made were last season upon their Premier League return.
EFL Analysis brings you the Tractor Boys’ five most expensive transfers ever acquired by the club.
Top five most expensive Ipswich Town signings
5. Jack Clarke – £15 million
Jack Clarke was an exciting signing in the summer transfer window last campaign by McKenna as he built his squad full of the best talent in the Championship to compete in the English top flight.
One of those being Clarke, who had impressed in his two seasons at that level with Sunderland.
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However, Clarke would struggle to adapt to the rigours of the Premier League, with fans hoping he can turn his fortune around this campaign and find form once again.
4. Liam Delap – £15.3 million
The exciting English talent, who could still represent the Republic of Ireland if he wishes, has recently signed with Chelsea for a fee of £30 million.
Ipswich have made a substantial profit off the player due to his impressive performances, making him a striker a number of major English sides wished to acquire.
Liam Delap of Ipswich Town plays against Newcastle United
Delap had a great season with Ipswich last year, as he scored 12 goals across 40 games in all competitions.
3. Jacob Greaves – £18.6 million
Jacob Greaves had been an essential player while at Hull City, being a major reason they came so close to the play-offs under Liam Rosenior.
However, with the departure of his manager at Hull and the strong interest from Ipswich, who had been promoted to the Premier League, he opted to move to East Anglia.
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Greaves would not have the most enjoyable time in the top flight with the Tractor Boys as they struggled against some of the best attacks in Europe.
The English defender will hope to find form once again in the Championship and use this to achieve promotion with Ipswich in 2026.
2. Omari Hutchinson – £20.3 million
The Jamaican international joined Ipswich Town from Chelsea on loan initially to help them earn promotion from the Championship.
Due to his performances and key goals, they achieved that, and so they signed him on a permanent deal.
Omari Hutchinson of England looks on as he lines up on the pitch for the national anthem prior to the UEFA European Under-21 Championship 2025 Final match between England and Germany
He has been one of the most exciting talents at Portman Road for the last two seasons, and fans will be unwilling to see him leave the club unless there is a substantial profit on the player.
Hutchinson has made 82 appearances, scoring 14 goals during his time at the club.
1. Jaden Philogene – £20.4 million
Jaden Philogene is the most expensive signing the club has ever made, when they bought him from Aston Villa in January 2025.
He was brought in to add more firepower and create more goal-scoring chances for the club and to help battle against relegation.
Jaden Philogene applauds fans in Ipswich against Wolves
Photo by Hannah Fountain – CameraSport via Getty Images
Philogene was not able to achieve that, but he demonstrated his ability throughout his six months at Ipswich.
Fans will be hopeful he can have a more fruitful season next year in the Championship and find the form he had while at Hull City.
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