For the Tractor Boys, who are vying for back-to-back promotions, this is a season to celebrate whether they secure a promotion at the end of the campaign or not.
Although they might not have as strong of a roster as teams like Leicester City or Leeds United, Ipswich’s team has proven to be more than the sum of its parts, and they have a number of players who can impact games.
Both Nathan Broadhead and Conor Chaplin have performed admirably, which is especially encouraging given that both players have long-term contracts at Portman Road.
Before an injury kept him from playing, George Hirst also put in strong performances at times; if they are unsuccessful in their promotion attempt, they undoubtedly have a team that is capable of competing next season.
But, unless they are prolific during the next summer window, they cannot hope to be in the promotion mix again next season or to survive.
Ipswich Town are at risk of losing some gems this summer
Some of their loanees have made a very positive impact this term.
It was previously unclear whether Chelsea-owned attacker Omari Hutchinson was going to make that much of a difference, considering it was uncertain how much game time he would get.
However, he has been a real game-changer in the final third and a couple of their January loan additions have also made a positive impact during the second half of the campaign.
Jeremy Sarmiento has shown real promise and even struck a potentially crucial winner against Southampton earlier this month.
Meanwhile, Kieffer Moore, who joined Portman Road on loan from AFC Bournemouth, has scored six goals in 26 games and is undoubtedly having an impact.
Additionally, Vaclav Hladky’s contract, along with a few others, expires at the end of the campaign among those who are on permanent deals at Ipswich.
Ipswich, however, has the option to extend some of these contracts for an additional year. For example, the club has one-year extension options with players like Cameron Burgess and Axel Tuanzebe.
West Ham could deal Ipswich Town double blow with Kieran McKenna and Leif Davis
Leif Davis, the left back, and manager Kieran McKenna might undoubtedly be considered the club’s two most valuable players.
After taking over, McKenna had to quickly reassemble the team and win the Championship in his first full season in Suffolk.
It would be really unfortunate for the Tractor Boys if they lost him at this time, as he has proven to be one of the best managers outside of the Premier League.
With an incredible record of going undefeated in 37 of his 43 league games this season, it comes as no surprise that elite team West Ham United has apparently expressed interest in him.
Long-running rumors over David Moyes’ future have intensified, and the Irons’ elimination from the Europa League may make it more likely that the Scot will leave the London Stadium this summer.
Davis might follow McKenna to the Irons if he departs, as Give Me Sport has reported that the elite squad is interested in the former Leeds United player.
| Leif Davis’ 2023/24 campaign at Ipswich Town | |
|---|---|
| (As of April 22nd, 2024) [All competitions] | |
| Appearances | 41 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assists | 20 |
As evidenced above, the 24-year-old has been a key player for his club this season and has contributed countless points to their victory.
His late winner against Bristol City back in March highlights just how important he has been; if McKenna and the left-back depart for the London Stadium this summer, it may be difficult for the Tractor Boys to challenge for promotion in the future.
Although Ipswich’s owners have been a major factor in the team’s success recently, losing Davis and McKenna might be a game-changing blow. The second tier may only get stronger in the years to come.
Although his defensive contributions have occasionally been called into question, Davis is still only 24 years old and has plenty of time to develop given the way Ipswich plays. Davis will undoubtedly be exposed from time to time.
It would not be shocking to see him secure a summer escape, as he has been an essential part of the Tractor Boys’ machine this season and some Ipswich fans find the idea of losing him intolerable. However, his contract expires in a few years and promotion is not a given.
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