1. Ipswich’s Bold Ivan Azón Bid Hits Major Snag Amid Valencia Loyalty
Ipswich Town’s hopes of securing a high-profile loan move for 22-year-old Spanish striker Ivan Azón have encountered significant resistance, as the forward remains steadfast in his preference for a switch to Valencia. Despite presenting the most financially rewarding package, Kieran McKenna’s ambitious Premier League hopefuls are currently struggling to sway the player from his long-standing desire to join Rubén Baraja’s La Liga project at the Mestalla.
Bethany Patrick reports that Azón, who signed with Italian club Como in February but has yet to debut, is currently stalling all negotiations with suitors including Ipswich, Getafe, and an undisclosed Bundesliga side. The former Spain U21 international is seemingly unmoved by the financial clout offered by the Championship outfit.
2. Tractor Boys’ Big-Money Offer Dwarfs Rivals—but Player Waits on Valencia
While Ipswich’s financial package has outshone offers from their continental competitors, including coverage of Azón’s full wages and a sizeable loan fee to Como, the striker’s emotional investment in joining Valencia has put the deal in limbo. The proposed deal included a clause allowing Ipswich to purchase the player permanently if promoted to the Premier League.
Azón, who racked up 27 goals in 150 matches for Real Zaragoza, remains a largely untested talent at the highest level, but Ipswich’s interest suggests a strategic gamble backed by serious scouting and belief in the Spaniard’s potential. The drawn-out deadlock between Valencia and Como has further complicated matters, as both clubs have reportedly stopped communicating for several days.
3. McKenna’s Striker Hunt Underscores Ipswich’s Premier League Intent
Manager Kieran McKenna is spearheading a recruitment drive focused on acquiring young, high-upside talent capable of thriving in the Championship and, eventually, the Premier League. Azón fits that profile, and the club’s willingness to outbid top-tier Spanish clubs reflects the urgency and ambition of their plans.
Ipswich’s pursuit of Ivan Azón is not an isolated move. They are also exploring a deal for seasoned Scotland international Oli McBurnie, who recently became a free agent following Las Palmas’ relegation from La Liga. McBurnie, once a standout at Sheffield United, offers a more proven and physical alternative to Azón, bringing valuable Championship experience.
4. Azón Waits in Silence as Ipswich Looks to Strike
Though Italian media previously suggested that Azón was close to agreeing terms with Ipswich, the latest developments suggest those claims were optimistic. Despite Cesc Fàbregas’ influence at Como, Azón remains reluctant to abandon his La Liga ambitions. According to AS.com, he is firmly “waiting on Valencia.”
The silence from Azón’s camp has left Ipswich, Getafe, and the unnamed German club in a holding pattern, forcing Kieran McKenna and his recruitment staff to assess alternative strategies as the transfer window edges forward.
5. Ipswich’s Promotion Bid Demands Attacking Reinforcements Now
With young forward Liam Delap departing for Chelsea, the need for a reliable striker has become pressing at Portman Road. Ipswich’s recruitment staff, backed by a sizeable budget fueled by parachute payments and sales, are under pressure to deliver a top-class attacker to spearhead their promotion campaign.
Supporters will be watching closely as McKenna and his team aim to convert financial power into on-pitch quality. The coming weeks will be crucial as the club attempts to wrap up high-impact deals before the window slams shut. Whether that includes Ivan Azón remains to be seen, but for now, the Spaniard holds the cards—and he’s playing the waiting game with Valencia.
