Transfer Rumours - New Signings for Towns Premier League Squad 2024/25

[Shed on tour]

Totally agree with what DB said about Krakow. We spent several days there whilst on an England away trip and thoroughly enjoyed our time there. We did the Auschwitz tour whilst there which was a sombre experience but something I’m glad we did.

[Ricco]

I have morals.

is that what the currency is called in Poland?

I actually think it's something that requires antibiotics.

[Bluemike]

Anyway, back on track....

rumour has it we have a 27 Million Euros bid in for Fotis Ioannidis, he has heart set on move elsewhere.

[Ricco]

rumour has it we have a 27 Million Euros bid in for Fotis Ioannidis, he has heart set on move elsewhere.

Six weeks is a long time in football!

if anyone seriously thinks we'll be splashing 10, 12, 15, 20 Million on any player you're nuts I'm afraid

Something has to give... unless the Euro has seriously tanked since I last checked. The amount of money we have spent already is pretty scary I'm optimistic that we have good people running the club now, but they were not around when we bought in Sereni and Finidi, and it really does feel a bit like they're putting all their money on red and spinning the wheel. One of our transfers has been a huge mistake in my opinion, and another is a huge risk.

[Bluemike]

rumour has it we have a 27 Million Euros bid in for Fotis Ioannidis, he has heart set on move elsewhere.

Six weeks is a long time in football!

if anyone seriously thinks we'll be splashing 10, 12, 15, 20 Million on any player you're nuts I'm afraid

Something has to give... unless the Euro has seriously tanked since I last checked. The amount of money we have spent already is pretty scary I'm optimistic that we have good people running the club now, but they were not around when we bought in Sereni and Finidi, and it really does feel a bit like they're putting all their money on red and spinning the wheel. One of our transfers has been a huge mistake in my opinion, and another is a huge risk.

Yep, I definitely did not see us being so bold as my comment shows, I held my hands up a few days ago and said I got it totally wrong, this is clearly the price we pay for being in this sh*te league and without this level of expenditure we would have zero chance of survival so hats off to Ashton and co for doing what they said and giving it a real go.

The thing is, with the signings we are making should we drop down again we would be in a super position to bounce straight back which I believe is definitely a small part of the thinking/building.

[shabba]

IMO this is vert different so far - as we have so far signed only players who speak English and come from playing already in this country, that is very different to Serini etc.

This striker would be more like the older era though. But we don’t know how true it is.

[AzzurroMark]

This made for very interesting reading, some of the stats came as a surprise to me. It's an in-depth look at the Brentford model and how it has worked so far, and there are a scary (in a satisfying way) number of similarities which could relate to the way Ipswich work now.
https://www.eadt.co.uk/sport/24469790.i ... er-league/
I know not everyone will choose to read it, but I shall lift this piece, which hopefully will give a boost to anyone worrying about the strength and experience level of our squad;

It is notable that no Brentford player had ever started a Premier League match before the opening game of the 2021/22 season and the club saw this as a positive given the team spirit and bond between the young, hungry players already in situ as well of course their ability to rise to the higher level – which almost without exception, they all did.

[shabba]

Superb article!

[Bluemike]

An excellent read that and we are similar in so so many ways, this piece for me is why I think we may well just have enough about us to be comfortable when it comes to survival, providing the remaining signings are on the money......

Hard work in every aspect of life is crucial. It is all about performance and how we analyse and measure it whether it be in the gym, on the training pitch or during matches.

“Attitude is key and we are confident but humble. But most important is togetherness as we need to have a unique togetherness both on and off the pitch - as we create a competitive environment in a nice atmosphere.”

The club also adheres to a much vaunted 'No d*ckheads' policy and Frank reiterates that “everyone knows that it is very important for our culture that we only get good characters in.”

'No d*ckheads' can perhaps be interpreted as not having any prima donnas who think predominantly about themselves in the club, everybody is equal and working together towards a common goal.

No one is bigger than the team and individual brilliance does not automatically lead to outstanding results. There is also a leadership group of senior players who help to run and police the dressing room.

That passage is us to a tee, Mckenna's work ethic and attitude to the finer detail are second to none, he will insist upon it and the togetherness of the squad both on and off the pitch is so tight, we sure as hell won't be signing any "dickheads" including Brandon Williams.

[Dubai Blue]

Last few posts are a bit more like it IMO. Now come on, why not a result against a Liverpool who do have their fair share of d***heads........?

I'll get me coat.

[Bluemike]

Last few posts are a bit more like it IMO. Now come on, why not a result against a Liverpool who do have their fair share of d***heads........?

I'll get me coat.

Virgil van d*ck

[Blue Wilf]

rumour has it we have a 27 Million Euros bid in for Fotis Ioannidis, he has heart set on move elsewhere.

Six weeks is a long time in football!

if anyone seriously thinks we'll be splashing 10, 12, 15, 20 Million on any player you're nuts I'm afraid

Something has to give... unless the Euro has seriously tanked since I last checked. The amount of money we have spent already is pretty scary I'm optimistic that we have good people running the club now, but they were not around when we bought in Sereni and Finidi, and it really does feel a bit like they're putting all their money on red and spinning the wheel. One of our transfers has been a huge mistake in my opinion, and another is a huge risk.

Yep, I definitely did not see us being so bold as my comment shows, I held my hands up a few days ago and said I got it totally wrong, this is clearly the price we pay for being in this sh*te league and without this level of expenditure we would have zero chance of survival so hats off to Ashton and co for doing what they said and giving it a real go.

The thing is, with the signings we are making should we drop down again we would be in a super position to bounce straight back which I believe is definitely a small part of the thinking/building.

Yep - I seem to have misread how much we would spend but if MA and Co think we can afford it then It still seems to me that players who we would not have looked at being worth more than £3M last season (including our own)are all of a sudden being snapped up for north of £20M - its madness!! Hey but what do I know... at the moment, clearly not much but all bets are off if we go back down and have to face the music...

[Charnwood]

Six weeks is a long time in football!

Something has to give... unless the Euro has seriously tanked since I last checked. The amount of money we have spent already is pretty scary I'm optimistic that we have good people running the club now, but they were not around when we bought in Sereni and Finidi, and it really does feel a bit like they're putting all their money on red and spinning the wheel. One of our transfers has been a huge mistake in my opinion, and another is a huge risk.

Yep, I definitely did not see us being so bold as my comment shows, I held my hands up a few days ago and said I got it totally wrong, this is clearly the price we pay for being in this sh*te league and without this level of expenditure we would have zero chance of survival so hats off to Ashton and co for doing what they said and giving it a real go.

The thing is, with the signings we are making should we drop down again we would be in a super position to bounce straight back which I believe is definitely a small part of the thinking/building.

Yep - I seem to have misread how much we would spend but if MA and Co think we can afford it then It still seems to me that players who we would not have looked at being worth more than £3M last season (including our own)are all of a sudden being snapped up for north of £20M - its madness!! Hey but what do I know... at the moment, clearly not much but all bets are off if we go back down and have to face the music...

My focus is solely on avoiding relegation and if we can achieve that, all of our players values will no doubt increase as each to a man is young and has room for improvement. This is so much better than signing EPL experienced players who’ve been cast aside by their current club and who’s values will be in decline.

[hallamblue]

We are displaying a VERY bold strategy arent we. Ashton said, “ we’re not going to be making up the numbers”…. Here’s hoping. I’d be happy with 4th from bottom in our PL season tbh !

[Bluemike]

It's being said that Blackburn are close to signing striker Ohashi for 1 Million in readiness for Szmodics departure to us.

[Cabanas Blue]

https://www.twtd.co.uk/ipswich-town-new ... clarke-bid

[Bluemike]

Just goes to show you can't believe anything you read.

[ITFC2024]

Update from Ashton (EADT):

"It's a tough window," Ashton told TownTV. "We're swimming in a bigger pond than we've ever swum in before. It's the same challenges, just with different numbers - much bigger numbers. And when you’re dealing with much bigger numbers, your room for error is far less.

"I think what you've seen with myself and (manager) Kieran (McKenna) is that we've stuck to the plan. Kieran's been very clear and very diligent in the work that he's being doing. Some very talented people have come into the building, who will grow with us.

"Five in, and that’s not the end of it. Fans will understand we are proactive in transfer windows. I think we’ve done decent business in previous windows in other leagues and I think we’ll continue and you’ll see more players over the next few weeks arrive ahead of the season." On how he's found operating in the Premier League market, he added: "It's as tough as I expected. Negotiations are probably tougher than ever because you've got to get value.

"It's very easy to overpay and if you overpay on the way in, in a deal, the deal's never right and you're struggling from day one.

"The due diligence we do on the type of player, the personality, the finances, the technical, the tactical piece from Kieran all has to come together.

"Myself and Kieran lead on that, while (chief operating officer) Luke Werhun has been absolutely invaluable in the work he's done behind the scenes. He's certainly got more grey hairs this summer.

"It's relentless, but that's what we do. We don't sing and dance, we don't talk into the media what we're doing. I think the fans have been great, I think they’ve been really controlled in the way they've talked about who we’re looking to bring in, which has helped us again. And we'll keep going, there's more to do."

[Bluemike]

Town are claimed to be the frontrunners in the chase for Birmingham City midfielder Jordan James.

According to HITC, the Blues are currently trying to do a deal to sign the Wales international, who is expected to leave the Midlanders following their relegation to League One and is available for a fee in excess of £10 million.

Newcastle United, Brighton, Brentford, Leicester and Southampton have previously been linked, while Europa League winners Atalanta are also said to be keen having made bids in January, but with Town currently in pole position.


Hereford-born James, 20, came through the ranks at St Andrew’s and won England U20 caps as a youngster having previously played for Wales at U15, U16 and U18 levels, before committing his international career to the Welsh, for whom he qualifies through his father, former Football League defender Tony.

James, who scored Birmingham’s goal in their 3-1 defeat to the Blues at Portman Road in February, has made 54 senior domestic starts and 50 sub appearances, scoring 10 goals.

Another central midfielder is very much on Town’s wishlist this summer, the Blues having lost out to Southampton for Portman Road old boy Flynn Downes.

James is contracted for only another year but with Birmingham having an option for a further season.


Former Wales boss Rob Page was a big fan of the midfielder: “He reads the game well, he’s athletic, he likes a tackle, he can pass the ball, he can head it … he ticks a lot of boxes; he has got everything.

“He is a great lad and he wants to work hard. He has got potential and we’re going to help him achieve that.”

Meanwhile, Town are continuing discussions with Blackburn regarding forward Sammie Szmodics with the two clubs inching towards an agreement which would see the 28-year-old join the Blues.

TWTD revealed that the Blues had made a move for the Colchester-born Irish international a fortnight ago with protracted negotiations having been ongoing even prior to that.

If this is the guy I'm thinking of he's decent for his age and definitely highly thought of.

[shabba]

Have to be honest and say I’ve not heard of him.

Sounds like the right profile of signing but perhaps one for the future rather than an immediate starter? So still might need another CM?

[Cabanas Blue]

Same for me I know nothing about him and for over £10 million surely we need someone who is good enough to start, if we were an established prem side then yes he's the sort of player we should be looking to sign.

[Bluemike]

He is young but look at the clubs supposedly after him, international too, he may not be an immediate starter but I could see him pushing for it. Been trying to read up on him, quoted as a "wonderkid" amongst other things and clearly fits the profile.

[Charnwood]

One of my mates who’s a lifelong BCFC supporter and watches every game home and away messaged me earlier saying the new about us chasing Jordon James was hot in Brum this afternoon. I’ve messaged him asking what he thinks of him. He’s a pretty good judge and played a high standard of amateur football which included an Old Wembley experience playing for the British Police. He also played for the Royal Navy national team and was on Southampton’s books at Youth level. I’d certainly trust his judgement.

[Charnwood]

Here’s my Brum mates assessment assessment of young Jordon James and he’ll have watched pretty much every game he’s played.

Hi Andy.I think potentially he has it in him to be a good Premier League player,he is young and now a full Wales international on a regular basis.
He had a tendency to go missing a times but probably through frustration with the sh*t team he was playing in.I think with better players round him and McKenna guiding him he could do well he is strong and physical and gets goals from outside the box.
Go easy on the rehab don’t push yourself too hard.This time next week off on our Cruise

He sounds worth a punt to me especially if he’s on McKenna’s radar. Our recruitment strategy hust highlights to me how pivotal McKenna is to our future. Can you imagine what Mick McCarthy and Paul Lambert would do trying to develop raw talent.

[Charnwood]

Here’s my Brum mates assessment of young Jordon James and he’ll have watched pretty much every game he’s played.

Hi Andy.I think potentially he has it in him to be a good Premier League player,he is young and now a full Wales international on a regular basis.
He had a tendency to go missing a times but probably through frustration with the sh*t team he was playing in.I think with better players round him and McKenna guiding him he could do well he is strong and physical and gets goals from outside the box.
Go easy on the rehab don’t push yourself too hard.This time next week off on our Cruise

He sounds worth a punt to me especially if he’s on McKenna’s radar. Our recruitment strategy hust highlights to me how pivotal McKenna is to our future. Can you imagine what Mick McCarthy and Paul Lambert would do trying to develop raw talent.

[Bluemike]

I quite like the sound of him I must admit although we need to be sensible in what we are prepared to pay. Definitely a player that McKenna would work with and improve, he fits the brief perfectly.

I think Szmodics will be in the door during the next 3 or 4 days so it's coming together relatively quickly if these Two happen, a left sided winger type is clearly on the radar too.

[hallamblue]

Wonder if we might still try and get Sheaf from Coventry?

[Charnwood]

Wonder if we might still try and get Sheaf from Coventry?

I think this takes us back to exactly where this thread started Liz, and yes I’d be absolutely delighted if Ben Sheaf became our target for the left side of midfield. I watched quite a few of Coventry games towards the end of last season and for me he was definitely their stand out player and looked every bit of being EPL class. However if promotion is still on their agenda Cov will be doing everything within their power to keep him.

[shabba]

Probably bit pricey - and we’ve spent a lot already. I guess it depends how much others end up costing.

It’s why I’m perhaps unsure if we should be going for Smodics and the Brum lad if they aren’t filling the key 2 positions we need (starting AML and CM).

[hallamblue]

Wonder if we might still try and get Sheaf from Coventry?

I think this takes us back to exactly where this thread started Liz, and yes I’d be absolutely delighted if Ben Sheaf became our target for the left side of midfield. I watched quite a few of Coventry games towards the end of last season and for me he was definitely their stand out player and looked every bit of being EPL class. However if promotion is still on their agenda Cov will be doing everything within their power to keep him.

I suppose it's where his contract currently is as to how likely and club could get him. Well have to wait n see I guess

Anyway, how's that knee doing a few days post op. Much pain and swelling going on, and are you using sticks or crutches?