After securing promotion to the Premier League for the first time in 22 years, Ipswich Town will now start working to strengthen the first-team squad in the hopes of surviving in the top-flight.
The Tractors Boys became the first club in over a decade, since Nigel Adkins’ Southampton, to win back-to-back promotions to the Premier League. Kieran McKenna’s men did it in style too, finishing as the top goalscorers in the Championship and one point behind eventual title-winners Leicester City.
Football finance expert Kieran Maguire ran the numbers on the club’s feat this past week, stating that Ipswich Town received £37 million in the 2001/02 season as the club were relegated from the top division of English football. However, due to the financial development of the modern game, the East Anglian outfit will “likely” receive £150 million in the 2024/25 campaign, regardless of whether they remain in the league or not.
With this newfound wealth, which seemed out of the realms of possibility 12 months ago, Ipswich have a little more wiggle room in the transfer market to bring in players who are good enough to play in the Premier League.
One name that is said to be on the club’s list is Chelsea centre-forward Armando Broja. According to Simon Phillips on his exclusive Substack account, Ipswich is a possible destination for the Albania international as Chelsea are willing to let him leave on a permanent basis this summer.
Armando Broja 🇦🇱🔥
Made his return from injury at the weekend 👊🔙#EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/PK3eptP2RW
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) September 26, 2023
Having failed to have much of an impact at Stamford Bridge, the 22-year-old was sent out on loan to Fulham but hasn’t scored a single goal in seven appearances for the Cottagers. Now, he’s likely to leave the Blues over the coming months.
Writer’s View
Back in January, it was reported that Chelsea had slapped a £50 million price tag on the frontman as he still has four years remaining on his contract but his current market value stands at £24 million, as per Transfermarkt, which is potentially a fairer reflection of his ability.
Kieffer Moore had a short, but excellent spell on loan at Ipswich Town but has now returned to Bournemouth, meaning McKenna needs another striker. His recruitment has been spot-on so far, so if he feels as though he can get the best out of Broja, then the club should back him.
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