Ipswich Town manager Gary O'Neil has confirmed the club will continue its aggressive transfer strategy ahead of the Premier League season. The Blues have already spent £88.4m on seven new players this summer, including Florentino Luis from Burnley for £16m, as they prepare for life in the top flight after finishing second in the Championship last season with 84 points (23W-15D-8L).
What new signings are expected?
O'Neil revealed Ipswich are targeting further reinforcements, particularly in midfield. Florentino Luis, a defensive midfielder, is set to make his debut against Rayo Vallecano on Saturday. The 26-year-old Portuguese player was signed to provide cover for the injured Azor Matusiwa. O'Neil praised Luis' defensive abilities, calling him a 'traditional number six' who excels in regaining possession and controlling space.
Who could leave Portman Road?
Despite recent contract extensions, winger Wes Burns is surprisingly close to joining Leicester City in League One. Harry Clarke's £3.5m move to Stoke City remains uncertain. Strikers George Hirst and Ali Al-Hamadi may also depart, with the latter set for a loan to Polish club Raków Częstochowa.
What’s next for Ipswich Town?
Ipswich aim to finalize most of their transfers before their Premier League opener against Sunderland on August 22. O'Neil emphasized the need for squad depth, stating, 'It’s a 38-game season, and we’re going to need a lot of bodies.' The club is also hopeful of re-signing Paraguayan attacker Julio Enciso from Strasbourg on a permanent deal.
