Ipswich Town are set to undergo a major squad overhaul in the summer and boss Mick McCarthy will have the club’s lack of transfer budget at the forefront of his mind.
Ipswich Town’s Luke Chambers celebrates scoring their first goal with team mates
A number of Ipswich Town’s first team players are set to leave Portman Road this summer, but their departures are not expected to free up significant enough funds to attract big name players.
Ipswich fans are no strangers to seeing their side built on a tight budget and it looks to be business as usual as the club bids to end their 16-year exodus from the Premier League. A large cash injection into a squad does not guarantee success in the Championship but will always be seen as an advantage.
Unfortunately it seems that Ipswich will need to put together a winning formula with a combination of bargain buys and free transfers. We take a look at three players that the club can secure on a free transfer with their contracts set to expire in the summer.
Jon McLaughlin
McLaughlin was released from Burton Albion earlier this week, much to the surprise of their supporters. The 29-year-old was an ever present in the Brewers side that against all odds, avoided immediate relegation back to League One.
The goalkeeping position at Portman Road is at a precarious stage right now as it is still remains unclear whether current first team goalkeeper Barotsz Bialkowski will be with the Tractor Boys next season. The Polish shot stopper signed a new deal last summer but has been linked with a move. Ipswich may choose to cash in on one of their prized assets in the summer.
McLaughlin will be a suitable replacement in the short term for Ipswich at least if they do decide to let the Supporters’ Player of the Year go in the summer.
Jon McLaughlin made 43 appearances in the Championship for Burton Albion
Sammy Ameobi
Ameobi’s current deal at Newcastle United set to expire in the summer and it is safe to assume that his immediate future lies away from St James’ Park after making four substitute appearances for the Magpies this season.
He spent the first half of the season at League One runners-up Bolton Wanderers but was recalled early from his loan spell in January but has not forced his way into Rafa Benitez’s first team plans.
There is no doubting Ameobi’s natural ability but the 25-year-old winger has struggled for consistency so far since making his debut. A move to Ipswich could finally kick start his career and with his signature not requiring a transfer fee, a potential deal has next to no risk attached to it.
Sammy Ameobi has made just 70 appearances in seven seasons for Newcastle United
Fred Onyedinma
Onyedinma is a product of Milwall’s academy and he played a key role in helping the club reach this season’s League One Play-Off final.
The 20-year-old is out of contract in the summer and the outcome of the final will play a key role behind his decision on his immediate future. He has been the subject of Premier League interest, with Watford and Hull admirers of the versatile attacking midfielder, but Championship side Queens Park Rangers are favourites to secure his signature (Hertfordshire Mercury).
Despite the high amount of interest, this should not put Ipswich off the idea of making a move for Onyedinma. A move to Portman Road will be an attractive proposition for him as McCarthy has a history of giving young players a chance in his teams and he has the potential to thrive in a youthful Ipswich side.
20-year-old Fred Onyedinma has already made 105 appearances for Millwall
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