Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has stated that the club aims to secure new contracts for more of their promotion-winning players.
Recently, winger Wes Burns and goalkeeper Christian Walton signed two-year extensions, following Sam Morsy’s lead in committing to stay at Portman Road this summer.
McKenna emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong core of players who have been integral to the club’s journey over the past few years. “It’s very important we keep a good core of players who have been a really, really important part of the journey,” he said. This comes as he invested over £100 million in transfer fees to enhance his squad with 12 new signings.
He added, “As we grow and develop now as a football club, and as we bring new players in, those players who have been part of the journey are going to help with integration both on and off the pitch.”
McKenna highlighted the contributions of Walton and Burns to the team culture, noting Walton’s example in the goalkeeper department and Burns’ strong performances and positive presence at the training ground.
“We want to keep that balance this season of players who have been with us and having new players we think can help us and add to us,” McKenna explained. He believes the current squad balance at the end of the transfer window aligns with their goals. “Getting that blend right is how we want to build and develop the squad,” he stated.
He mentioned that the recent contract signings reflect the model the club wants to pursue: “Those two boys signing contracts is a pretty good sign of the model that we want to follow.” Discussions are ongoing with other players regarding potential new contracts.
Leif Davis, Luke Woolfenden, Axel Tuanzebe, and Cameron Burgess are all in the final year of their contracts, though the club holds a one-year extension option for Davis.
