key areas Ipswich town need to strengthen in the coming weeks – opinion

Ipswich Town: Assessing Key Positions for Strengthening

Ipswich Town has started the summer transfer window with two significant acquisitions. They re-signed Omari Hutchinson from Chelsea for a record fee and secured Ben Johnson on a free transfer from West Ham. Fans are thrilled with these early moves, but the fast-paced nature of football means more additions are needed. Ipswich is aiming to make six to nine more signings before the transfer window closes on September 2nd. So, which positions should they focus on next?

Goalkeeper

A few weeks ago, Ipswich seemed well-stocked in the goalkeeper department. However, Vaclav Hladky has left, and Cieran Slicker wants a loan move. Christian Walton hasn’t played a league game in over a year, making his future uncertain. As a result, Ipswich needs at least one new goalkeeper, including a primary option. Given that the new goalie will need to play 38 matches next season, this is a top priority.

Manager Kieran McKenna’s style of play requires not just a good shot-stopper but also someone proficient with the ball at their feet, capable of quick and accurate distribution. Such goalkeepers are in high demand, making it challenging to find a suitable candidate within Ipswich’s budget. Carl Rushworth from Brighton & Hove Albion, who was on loan at Swansea City last season, has been linked, as has Fenerbahce’s Dominik Livakovic. Rushworth fits the desired profile, but it’s uncertain who else is on the club’s shortlist.

Left Centre-Back

Ipswich has been linked with numerous centre-backs recently, but their needs are specific. On the right, they have Luke Woolfenden, Axel Tuanzebe, and Ben Johnson as cover. On the left, Cameron Burgess is the primary option, with George Edmundson able to play both sides. Therefore, another right-sided centre-back doesn’t make sense, making the links to Joe Rodon (now of Leeds United) puzzling. Ipswich needs a strong, left-footed centre-back to compete with Burgess and complete their defensive unit.

Hull City’s Jacob Greaves is a target, but Ipswich is hesitant to exceed the £10 million mark. Jayden Oosterwolde from Fenerbahce has also been mentioned, though there is significant competition for him. A left-sided centre-back with physical presence and technical skill to assist in playing out from the back is ideal.

Midfield

Football’s relentless nature means teams must always seek upgrades. Massimo Luongo and Jack Taylor are expected to play key roles next season, but Ipswich likely needs a new partner for Sam Morsy. While they have good options, depth is lacking. Lewis Travis, who covered for Morsy last season, has returned to Blackburn Rovers, and Dom Ball has left on a free transfer. This leaves only three players for two midfield spots, necessitating at least two new signings: one to partner with Morsy and one as a backup.

Lewis O’Brien was mentioned earlier in the window, but he seems unlikely to join. Ben Sheaf from Coventry City would be a fantastic addition, though Coventry would demand a significant fee. Former Blue Flynn Downes might return after his loan spell at Southampton, with Ipswich reportedly in the conversation. While not as urgent as other positions, midfield reinforcements are still a priority.

Striker

Aside from a goalkeeper, a new striker should be Ipswich’s top priority. If Freddie Ladapo leaves as expected, Ipswich will have George Hirst and Ali Al-Hamadi as their striking options. Al-Hamadi might leave on loan, with Oxford United interested, though he aspires to be the first Iraqi to play in the Premier League. He likely needs regular game time, which he hasn’t had above League Two level. This would leave Hirst as the sole striker, necessitating competition. Ipswich realistically needs two new forwards, with one having top-level experience.

Fotis Ioannidis has been a prominent link, with Ipswich reportedly making bids exceeding £20 million for the Greek international. Ben Brereton Diaz from Villarreal, who was on loan at Sheffield United last season, is another target. He offers versatility, playing both up front and on the left, which McKenna values. If Ipswich is to break their transfer record again this summer, it will likely be for a striker.