Ipswich Town Warned: “Do Everything” to Lock Down Conor Chaplin’s Future
Conor Chaplin, a cornerstone in Ipswich Town’s rapid ascent back to the top tiers of English football, has entered the final 12 months of his current contract — a development that has sparked concern among fans and pundits alike. With the club already witnessing the exits of Cameron Burgess and Axel Tuanzebe on free transfers due to failed negotiations, the urgency to retain the services of Chaplin has never been greater.
In a passionate call to action, Football League World’s fan pundit, Adam Wilkin, emphasized that Ipswich Town must act decisively and promptly to avoid a repeat scenario. The 28-year-old forward, earning around £15,000 per week, is now back in the Championship following Ipswich’s brief and injury-riddled stint in the Premier League.
Wilkin pulled no punches in his assessment: “Given what we’ve just seen happen with the Cameron Burgess and Axel Tuanzebe contracts, I think they should be doing everything they can to tie Conor Chaplin down to at least another two years.”
Injury-Hit Premier League Stint Fuels Determination for Comeback
Chaplin’s Premier League adventure was marred by an ill-timed injury that halted his growing momentum. Despite breaking into Kieran McKenna’s starting eleven and showing flashes of promise, he was sidelined during a critical period. Though he returned to action for the final few matches of the campaign, Wilkin noted that he never quite hit full stride:
“He was coming back towards the end of the season. He played the last three or four matches for us, [but] he wasn’t at his best there.”
The setback didn’t dampen Wilkin’s faith in the striker’s value to the squad:
“I think it’s important not to lose him on a free, but I also think it’s important to keep him around this season because he’s a clinical goalscorer at Championship level.”
Championship Return May Be Chaplin’s Golden Opportunity
Returning to the Championship may be a blessing in disguise for Chaplin. It offers a reset — a chance to rediscover his form and rebuild his reputation as one of the most dangerous attackers outside the Premier League. In the 2022-23 season, he racked up an impressive 13 goals in 44 appearances, helping power Ipswich’s promotion push.
Wilkin expanded on this optimism, highlighting the potential impact of Chaplin playing within a now stronger, more experienced squad:
“He also knows the structure of the team, he knows how they play, and if you keep him fit with the array of talent around him as well, supporting him this season that was invested in last year, he could get another 15–20 goals potentially.”
There’s no question the hunger still burns within Chaplin. According to Wilkin, “He’ll be hungry to prove that he can do it in the Premier League. I think if it wasn’t for his injury, I would’ve been interested to see how he did get on because I think that natural goalscorer, other than Delap’s goals, was something that we missed.”
Key Numbers Don’t Lie – Chaplin Still Has Plenty to Offer
Chaplin’s stats further reinforce his value. Over 169 appearances for Ipswich Town, the forward has notched 55 goals and contributed 18 assists. Those numbers, compiled before the conclusion of the 2024/25 campaign, underscore his reliability and attacking prowess.
With those figures in mind, Wilkin’s advice is clear:
“So yeah, I’d be tying him down to another contract if it was me.”
Securing Chaplin on a longer deal would not only protect Ipswich Town’s investment but could also pave the way for another shot at top-flight success, either with the Tractor Boys or through a big-money move elsewhere.
Kieran McKenna’s Planning Hinges on Chaplin’s Commitment
Kieran McKenna, Ipswich Town’s manager, is already grappling with challenges this summer, including reported setbacks in attempts to re-sign midfield target Jens Cajuste. Losing Chaplin — either for free or to a Championship rival — would create a vacuum that could be hard to fill.
With the club poised to mount another push for promotion, keeping their most clinical Championship-level striker is not just important — it’s essential. If Ipswich hope to sustain momentum and maintain stability, a new contract for Conor Chaplin must become a top priority.
