Ipswich Town are back in the Premier League after a 22-year absence. After a meteoric rise back-to-back promotions, can The Tractor Boys stay there?
Ipswich – Premier League Season Preview 2024/25
Last season: 2nd (Championship)
Title odds: 1500/1
TFF prediction: 17th
Ipswich Transfers 2024/25
In: Leon Elliott, Abube Onuchukwu, Jacob Greaves, Omari Hutchinson, Liam Delap, Arijanet Muric, Conor Townsend, Ben Johnson, Darragh McCann.
Out: Silva Mexes, Sone Aluko, Václav Hladký, Kayden JacksonGassan Ahadme, Idris El Mizouni, Corrie Ndaba.
Ipswich Town are back in the big time for the first time since 2001/02, with Kieran McKenna having over seen a stunning transformation of the Tractor Boys.
After inheriting a team labouring in English football’s third tier, the former Manchester United coach has led Ipswich to consecutive promotions.
Interest arrived in the 38-year-old during the summer with Manchester United, Chelsea and Brighton all sounding out McKenna. However, his recommitment to Ipswich is a huge boost to the club who are looking to maintain their momentum.
Ipswich Town are BACK in the Premier League and they’re bringing @edsheeran with them 🎸
This is what he means to Kieran McKenna’s Tractor Boys.
Their story 🎬 https://t.co/MrSElYrM5Z pic.twitter.com/aVy5bM4plC
— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) August 8, 2024
Ipswich have conducted some impressive early business in the transfer window with their arrivals designed for the long-term, regardless of whether safety is secured this season.
Omari Hutchinson’s loan from Chelsea has been made permanent for a club-record fee, while Ipswich have beaten top-flight rivals to the signing of Hull City’s Jacob Greaves, named in the Championship Team of the Season for 2023-24.
Arijanet Muric has Premier League experience and room to improve, while 21-year-old Liam Delap will want to prove himself in the top division. The ex-Manchester City man has been a regular goalscorer for England throughout the age groups. An imminent move for Kalvin Phillips will be the next statement for McKenna’s men.
Further additions are needed in a squad that lacks sufficient depth, though those at Portman Road will feel the biggest signing of the summer was keeping McKenna at the club. After two whirlwind seasons of improvement, there’s a real belief that Ipswich can upset the status quo and continue their upward trajectory.
Key player: Leif Davis
Delivery can be everything in the Premier League and, in Leif Davis, Ipswich have one of the best in the business. The left-back has been a revelation since swapping Leeds for Ipswich, providing 32 assists across the last two league seasons. The Premier League represents another step up for Davis and much of this squad, but his excellence from set-pieces and creativity could provide crucial in clashes of tight margins. A deserved nominee for the Championship’s Player of the Season in 2023/24.
Leif Davis got 18 assists for Ipswich last season 👏
This might be the best of the bunch 🤌pic.twitter.com/NbPr3CU8Oo
— Second Tier podcast (@secondtierpod) July 22, 2024
One to watch: Jacob Greaves
Ipswich will feel they have landed a coup in signing Jacob Greaves, who has quietly established a reputation as one of English football’s best defenders outside the Premier League. The centre-back came through the academy ranks at Hull City and claimed the club’s Young Player of the Season in three consecutive campaigns, before earning the senior accolade – and a place in the Championship Team of the Season – in 2023/24.
Greaves is comfortable in possession, offers natural left-footed balance, and ranked second in the Championship for aerial duels won last season. Several top-tier teams tracked his progress last season but it’s Ipswich who have sealed a deal. He will be crucial to solidifying the Tractor Boys this season.
