Ipswich Town’s dream summer transfer window including return of loan star and Aston Villa midfielder..
Ipswich Town face a pivotal 2025/26 Championship season after a challenging campaign that saw them relegated from the Premier League.
The step up to the top flight exposed areas for improvement, and to compete for promotion, strategic recruitment is needed.
The summer transfer window will be crucial as Kieran McKenna seeks to refine his squad’s balance and bolster key positions.
This isn’t just about replacing outgoing talent; it’s also about adding fresh impetus and quality that can thrive in the demanding Championship.
Fans will be eager to see which new faces arrive at Portman Road to help propel the club back towards the Premier League dream.
We have taken a look at what a dream summer transfer window would look like for the Tractor Boys as they prepare to compete in the Championship.
Jens Cajuste of Ipswich Town during the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Ipswich Town FC at Old Trafford on February 26, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Dream Ipswich Town summer transfer window
Return of 2024/45 loan player Jens Cajuste
Jens Cajuste was on loan at Ipswich for the 2024/25 Premier League season and proved to be a valuable asset. He offers dynamism, energy, and a strong physical presence in midfield, which is crucial for Championship success. His existing familiarity with McKenna’s system and the club would make him an immediate fit.
Ipswich are reportedly keen to bring him back, though Napoli’s valuation will be key, as reports suggest Napoli are offering him to other clubs to facilitate their transfers. A permanent move would depend on Napoli’s demands and Ipswich’s budget.
READ MORE: Five signings Kieran McKenna must make at Ipswich Town, including ‘excellent’ star and Coventry City ace
Local rival’s striking star Josh Sargent
With Liam Delap now at Chelsea, a reliable goalscorer is paramount. While a specific name is challenging without direct links, a striker with a strong track record in the Championship would be a priority.
Josh Sargent, despite playing for rivals Norwich, has shown his capability in the league with consistent goals. A player of his profile – someone who can lead the line, contribute to build-up play, and finish chances – would be ideal for McKenna’s system.
A top Championship striker would be highly sought after by Ipswich, who would need to act decisively and potentially spend a significant portion of their budget.
Tayo Adaramola of Stockport County F.C. applauds at full time during the Sky Bet League 1 match
Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Premier League star looking for first team football
Tayo Adaramola is a highly-rated young defender at Crystal Palace who can play both left-back and potentially as a left-sided centre-back in a back three, offering versatility that McKenna often values.
He gained valuable senior minutes during the 2024/25 season with loan spells at Stockport County in League One and Bradford City in League Two. Palace have a strong academy and often looks for good loan destinations for their developing players.
A Championship loan would be a logical next step for his development as Premier League clubs are always assessing their youth talent.
READ MORE: Ipswich Town must win race for ‘fantastic’ 18-goal striker, he could be perfect Liam Delap replacement
Tyler Morton could seek further Championship minutes
Morton spent the 2023/24 season on loan at Blackburn Rovers in the Championship and impressed with his composure, passing range, and intelligence in midfield.
He’s a highly-rated prospect at Liverpool, and a loan move to a promotion-chasing Championship side like Ipswich would offer him valuable regular football. He fits Ipswich’s profile of young, keen players keen to develop and prove themselves.
He’s another potential loan target from a top Premier League club, likely to have multiple suitors in the Championship.
Morgan Rogers controls the ball during the last 16 second leg UEFA Champions League
Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images
Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers
After Omari Hutchinson’s impactful loan spell, Ipswich will be looking for another wide player who can cut in, create, and score.
Morgan Rogers, while recently joining Aston Villa, might find game time limited and could be an option for a loan to gain more experience. His dribbling and ability to play across the front line would be valuable assets in the Championship.
It would depend on Aston Villa’s plans for him and whether they see a Championship loan as beneficial for his development.
READ MORE: Forget Liam Delap, Kieran McKenna already has a goalscoring star in his ranks at Ipswich Town for 2025/26
Ipswich Town players who could move on
Several key players from last season’s Premier League squad will not be returning. Midfielder Kalvin Phillips has seen his loan spell conclude, returning to Manchester City, with a permanent move to Portman Road unlikely given his parent club’s valuations and Ipswich’s Championship status.
Kalvin Phillips of Ipswich Town
Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images
Additionally, Ipswich’s recently announced retained list confirms the departures of two instrumental figures from their back-to-back promotions: midfielder Massimo Luongo and winger Marcus Harness.
Defensive stalwarts Axel Tuanzebe and Cameron Burgess are also set to depart, with their contracts expiring on June 30, 2025, after failing to agree on new terms, despite being offered deals. These exits highlight Kieran McKenna’s task of rebuilding for a swift return to the top flight.
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