Ipswich Town transfer bombshell: Full list of players set to leave Portman Road this summer

Following their relegation from the Premier League last season, Kieran McKenna’s Ipswich Town set out with the clear aim of bouncing straight back to the top tier.

While they have not occupied the automatic promotion places as consistently as some expected, the Tractor Boys have stayed firmly in the promotion mix for most of the campaign.

January saw limited movement at Portman Road, with only Anis Mehmeti and Dan Neil arriving as senior reinforcements. Despite efforts to add a striker before the deadline, Ipswich were unable to get a deal over the line.

Cameron Humphreys, Harry Clarke and Sammie Szmodics were all sent out on loan for the remainder of the season, as Ipswich positioned themselves strongly for a late push towards the top two.

With promotion still up in the air, attention has already turned to the future, as seven players are currently set to see their contracts expire at the end of the campaign. Using Transfermarkt data, Football League World has examined each player whose deal is due to run out this summer.

Ashley Young

Now 40, Ashley Young is approaching the closing stages of a remarkable career. The former Aston Villa and Manchester United winger has prolonged his time at the top level through elite fitness and a successful transition into a full-back role.

Despite a career spanning more than 750 appearances across domestic and European competitions, Young has started just three league matches since joining Ipswich to provide defensive cover.

With his contract expiring and his age a clear factor, an extension appears unlikely, although retirement has not yet been confirmed.

David Button

Another experienced figure, David Button arrived on a free transfer last summer and has served as Ipswich’s third-choice goalkeeper behind Alex Palmer and Christian Walton.

At 36, Ipswich became the 19th club of his career, following spells that included a notable period at Brentford. His future may depend on whether the club secure promotion and how McKenna values his influence behind the scenes, but for now, Button is set to depart without making a competitive appearance.

Conor Townsend

Signed from West Brom to compete with Leif Davis at left-back, Conor Townsend’s move has not worked out as hoped.

A pre-season ACL injury severely limited his involvement, restricting him to just six league appearances after 213 outings for the Baggies across six seasons. With his contract expiring when he turns 33, a new deal at Portman Road looks highly improbable.

Wes Burns

A key figure in Ipswich’s back-to-back promotions, Wes Burns has become a popular figure among supporters during his five seasons with the club. The Wales international recently returned from a lengthy injury layoff following knee surgery and will be keen to play a role in the run-in.

However, with strong competition for attacking wide roles and Burns now 31, his future beyond this season is uncertain, though a late surge in form could yet change McKenna’s thinking.

Conor Chaplin

Conor Chaplin was instrumental in Ipswich’s rise through the divisions but found opportunities limited following increased competition, leading to a loan move this season. Back at Portsmouth, where his career began, he has been a regular but has struggled to recapture his previous impact.

At 28, he should be entering his peak years, and his Ipswich future may hinge on promotion, particularly given past difficulties adapting to the Premier League. Regardless, his £750,000 signing in 2021 remains outstanding value.

Cameron Humphreys

A product of the Ipswich academy, Cameron Humphreys has been unable to cement a place in McKenna’s plans. Now 22, he has joined Huddersfield Town on loan after a productive spell with Wycombe Wanderers last season.

With several midfielders ahead of him in the pecking order, and the prospect of Premier League football looming, his long-term future at the club appears doubtful.

Harry Clarke

A lifelong Ipswich supporter, Harry Clarke returned to Suffolk after progressing through Arsenal’s academy and gaining experience on multiple loan spells.

He played important roles during Ipswich’s promotion campaigns but has since struggled for consistent minutes due to competition and injury issues.

Currently on loan at Charlton Athletic, the 24-year-old will be aiming to impress in the hope of earning a new deal at Portman Road or securing a move elsewhere.