Everyone involved in the Ipswich Town squads that earned back-to-back Premier League promotions from League One will be remembered warmly by the entire Tractor Boys fanbase.
However, as the competition increased following their promotion to the top division, the heroes who got them there have seen their positions reduced to squad players, or even phased out of the team entirely, as new faces have joined the ranks.
Seven of Ipswich’s starting eleven from their opening day loss to Liverpool played in League One for the Tractor Boys, although players were replaced throughout the season, and as the club aims for a quick return to the Premier League, they will most likely be eased out even more.
Conor Chaplin may be one of those players. He’s been a fan favourite over the last several seasons, and many believe he earned his Premier League debut last season, but perhaps the current squad has outgrown him, and it’s worth selling ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Conor Chaplin’s contract status may lead to Ipswich Town sale
Conor Chaplin signed a contract extension with Ipswich Town following his League One Golden Boot-winning season, during which he scored 26 goals and helped the club achieve promotion to the Championship.
According to Capology, he earned £7,500 per week during the contract, but after the Tractor Boys were promoted to the Premier League, this was increased to £15,000 per week.
And, given that Capology claims he will receive the same per week as last season, despite the club’s return to the Championship, a sale may be necessary to guarantee a big chunk of money is removed off the books for a player who may not start week in and week out.
| Conor Chaplin’s four seasons at Ipswich Town (league games only), per Transfermarkt | ||||
| Season | Division | Appearances (starts) | Goals | Assists |
| 2021/22 | League One | 39 (24) | 9 | 3 |
| 2022/23 | League One | 45 (41) | 26 | 5 |
| 2023/24 | Championship | 44 (42) | 13 | 9 |
| 2024/25 | Premier League | 22 (10) | 1 | 1 |
Furthermore, Chaplin’s contract extension expires in the summer of 2026, which means Ipswich might lose him for free this time next season if no new deal is reached.
As a result, a deal may be agreed upon to ensure that the club receives compensation for his services.
Conor Chaplin is unlikely to be first choice back in the Championship at Ipswich Town.
Conor Chaplin was a key member of the Ipswich Town side that gained promotion to the Premier League the previous time they were in the Championship, starting 42 games, scoring 13 goals and assisting nine more.
However, Kieran McKenna enters the upcoming season with the 2023/24 top scorer in his ranks, Sammie Szmodics, who scored 27 for Blackburn Rovers that same season.
With the acquisition of Szmodics, Chaplin spent the most of last season on the bench, starting only 10 games.
And, while the 28-year-old will regard his return to the Championship as an opportunity to reclaim his form after a disappointing season in the Premier League, there is no guarantee that his starts will be as frequent as they were two seasons ago.
Chaplin has been an excellent servant for Ipswich Town, and his progression from League Two with Portsmouth to Premier League goalscorer against Bournemouth is genuinely impressive.
However, with the attacking midfielder earning a pay that is considerably higher than his projected productivity and only a year left on his present contract, a sale may be the best option this summer, even if it is unpopular among Ipswich fans.
Chaplin himself must be playing regular football by the age of 28, but no guarantees can be made in 25/26. Both Chaplin and the club may face a major decision in the coming weeks.
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