Ipswich Town are back in the Premier League with transfer plans reportedly already underway ahead of an interesting summer.
Kieran McKenna led the club to the top flight for the second time in three years, clinching automatic promotion with a resounding 3-0 win over QPR at Portman Road on the final day of the Championship season.
George Hurst and Jayden Philozine scored early goals before Casey McAteer wrapped up the game, sparking an invasion of the pitch and scenes of pure joy unfolded for Suffolk.
Bouncing back so quickly after last season’s relegation (finishing 19th with just 22 points) is a remarkable achievement and a testament to McKenna’s ability to unite the team through adversity.
This is where the real work begins.
McKenna knows better than anyone that if Ipswich are to avoid a repeat of last season’s top-flight struggles, reinforcements are needed to the side that dominated the Championship.
NEXT PHILOGEN: Ipswich and Southampton begin contract talks with EFL star
Ipswich Town could face competition from Southampton for the £500,000 talent.
The recruitment department has reportedly been active for several weeks and early information suggests the club are thinking ambitiously.
Burnley forward Jean Fleming has been offered by his agent to the Tractor Boys, with the 27-year-old Dutchman becoming available following the Clarets’ relegation.
But the most interesting possibility that emerges may involve a familiar face.
Ipswich could seal Liam Delap’s ‘surprise’ reunion after leaving Chelsea
According to TEAMtalk, sources believe Liam Delap’s “surprise” return to Portman Road could be a serious possibility.
The 23-year-old striker scored 12 Premier League goals for Ipswich during the ill-fated 2024/25 season before Chelsea activated his £30m release clause last June, but had a disastrous spell at Stamford Bridge.
He scored just one goal in 26 league appearances and was limited to around 1,000 minutes in the Premier League over the course of the season, suspended due to repeated injuries and intense competition from João Pedro.
Now, Chelsea have apparently made it clear they can sign Delap this summer.
New manager Xabi Alonso is calling for ‘ready-to-work’ attacking reinforcements and the former Man City forward does not fit that profile.
The club are actively considering signings Brentford’s Igor Thiago and Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen. They are established goal scorers with immediate potential.
Delap, by contrast, needs regular soccer and a fresh start.
Newcastle and Everton are currently in the race to sign him, with both clubs being long-time fans. Eddie Howe tracked Delap during his time at Ipswich and the Toffees were keen to sign him until Chelsea beat them to it last summer. Brighton and Sunderland are also monitoring the situation.
However, TEAMtalk’s sources have mentioned Ipswich as a potential destination, and it’s not hard to follow that logic.
McKenna built an offense around Delap two seasons ago, players thrived in the system and fans worshiped him.
After a traumatic year in west London, a return to a club where he played every week in the Premier League and felt established and valued could be just what his career needs.
Whether Ipswich can compete financially with the likes of Newcastle and Everton is another question entirely.
The fee is expected to be less than what Chelsea paid, but it will still be a significant outlay for the newly promoted club.
The will appears to be there, but the numbers also need to work.
Coventry City open talks for new Gyokeles contract – Ipswich must do the same
Coventry City have set an example for Ipswich Town ahead of the summer transfer window and have begun contract negotiations with an impressive striker.
