Ipswich Town face a crucial 2025/26 Championship season following a difficult campaign that saw them relegated from the Premier League.
The transition to the top flight revealed areas for development, and to contend for promotion, intelligent recruitment is required.
The summer transfer window will be critical for Kieran McKenna as he looks to improve his squad’s balance and strengthen important positions.
This is more than just replacing departing talent; it is also about injecting new energy and quality that can thrive in the rigorous Championship.
Fans will be excited to see which fresh faces arrive at Portman Road to help catapult the club back to the Premier League.
We’ve looked at what a perfect summer transfer window would look like for the Tractor Boys as they prepare to compete in the Championship.
Dream Ipswich Town summer transfer window
Jens Cajuste, who was on loan in 2024/45, has returned.
Jens Cajuste was on loan to Ipswich for the 2024/25 Premier League season and proved to be an invaluable addition. He brings dynamism, energy, and a powerful physical presence to midfield, which is critical for championship success. His experience with McKenna’s system and the club would make him a natural match.
Ipswich are apparently interested in bringing him back, but Napoli’s valuation will be crucial, as sources say Napoli is offering him to other teams to help their deals. A permanent move would be contingent on Napoli’s demands and Ipswich’s budget.
Local rival’s striking star Josh Sargent
With Liam Delap now at Chelsea, a consistent goalscorer is essential. While identifying a specific name is difficult without direct contacts, a striker with a great track record in the Championship would be preferred.
Despite playing for rivals Norwich, Josh Sargent has consistently scored goals in the league. McKenna’s system would benefit from a player with his profile, who can lead the line, contribute to build-up play, and convert chances.
Ipswich would be eager to recruit a top Championship striker, which would require them to act quickly and potentially spend a big chunk of their budget.
Premier League star searching for first-team football
Tayo Adaramola is a highly regarded young Crystal Palace defender who can play both left-back and, potentially, left-sided centre-back in a back three, providing McKenna with the versatility he seeks.
He acquired crucial senior minutes during the 2024/25 season while on loan at Stockport County in League One and Bradford City in League Two.
Palace has a solid academy and frequently looks for suitable loan destinations for their young players. A Championship loan would be a sensible next step in his development, given Premier League clubs are constantly evaluating their young potential.
Tyler Morton could want further Championship minutes.
Morton spent the 2023/24 season on loan with Championship club Blackburn Rovers, where he impressed with his passing range, composure, and midfield intelligence. He is a highly rated Liverpool prospect, and a loan transfer to a promotion-chasing Championship club like Ipswich would provide him with valuable regular game.
He fits Ipswich’s profile of youthful, eager players looking to progress and prove themselves. He’s another prospective loan target from a prominent Premier League team, and he’ll most certainly have other Championship suitors.
Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers
Following Omari Hutchinson’s successful loan spell, Ipswich will search for another wide winger who can cut in, create, and score. Morgan Rogers, who recently joined Aston Villa, may find game time limited and could be considered for a loan to get additional experience.
His dribbling skills and ability to play across the front line would be helpful in the Championship. It would depend on Aston Villa’s ambitions for him and whether they believe a Championship loan will benefit his development.
Ipswich Town players that may move on
Several key players from last season’s Premier League squad will not return. Midfielder Kalvin Phillips has returned to Manchester City after his loan term ended, with a permanent move to Portman Road improbable given his home club’s valuations and Ipswich’s Championship situation.
Furthermore, Ipswich’s recently revealed retained list indicates the losses of two key players from their consecutive promotions: midfielder Massimo Luongo and winger Marcus Harness.
Defensive stalwarts Axel Tuanzebe and Cameron Burgess are both expected to go, with their contracts expiring on June 30, 2025, after failing to agree on new terms despite being given agreements. These exits emphasize Kieran McKenna’s challenge of rebuilding for a quick return to the top flight.
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