Ipswich Town is currently taking a breather during the international break after a demanding start to their Premier League season.
The club faced a tough opening schedule, featuring back-to-back matches against Liverpool and Manchester City, followed by a challenging encounter with Marco Silva’s Fulham.
Though losses to both Liverpool and Manchester City were anticipated, Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna can find some comfort in the fact that his team secured their first league point with a 1-1 draw against Fulham.
In that match, Liam Delap scored for Ipswich, but it was Sammie Szmodics’s goal at the Etihad Stadium that stood out as the most memorable moment of the season so far. Szmodics, who recently joined Ipswich from Peterborough United, briefly put his new team ahead against Manchester City.
As the season progresses, Szmodics will look to deliver more standout performances. Despite the tough start, Ipswich managed to avoid a heavy defeat, overcoming a potential 4-1 loss. Szmodics, known for his goal-scoring prowess, joined Ipswich after an impressive season at Blackburn Rovers where he won the Championship golden boot with 27 goals.
Szmodics’s previous success and his composed finishing have quickly endeared him to Ipswich fans. His acquisition, valued at £9m in mid-August, is seen as a valuable investment for the club. This transfer fee is modest compared to the market, especially when considering historical transfers.
For perspective, a transfer involving former Ipswich youth player Darren Bent moving to Charlton Athletic in 2005 would cost significantly more today. Originally valued at £4m, Bent’s transfer would now be worth around £15.7m, according to TotallyMoney’s Transfer Index. This adjustment reflects the increased market values over time.
Bent’s contribution during his final season at Ipswich—20 goals and 16 assists in 50 appearances—set a high standard.
Despite being tempted by Charlton’s substantial offer, Bent’s departure for £4m ranks ninth in Ipswich’s record departures. The adjusted figure of £15.7m would surpass the current record held by Tyrone Mings’s £9.5m move to AFC Bournemouth in 2015.
Looking ahead, Szmodics aims to replicate Bent’s impact as Ipswich’s next leading attacker. With manager Kieran McKenna’s support, Szmodics is expected to play a crucial role in the club’s efforts to maintain their Premier League status.
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Szmodics to see if he can rise to the occasion and become Ipswich’s new attacking hero.
