Exclusive: Ipswich Town secure contract to keep fan favourite at Portman Road despite exit talks

Premier League newcomers TEAMtalk can exclusively report that Ipswich Town have exercised their option to extend goalkeeper Christian Walton’s contract at Portman Road.

Walton’s current contract is set to expire at the end of June, but Ipswich have decided to exercise an option to extend his stay with the club until 2025, according to sources.

The 28-year-old has been forced to play as a backup to Vaclav Hladky this season after suffering an injury that prevented him from starting the Championship campaign.

Hladky has seized his opportunity between the sticks and has retained the No.1 shirt under Kieran McKenna, with the team riding high at the top of the table.

Ipswich Town extend the stay of backup goalkeeper

Walton has appeared in four games across all competitions this season, including a late cameo off the bench in last weekend’s promotion-clinching victory over Huddersfield Town.

Walton was a key member of the Ipswich team that earned promotion from League One in the 2022/23 season and is a popular fan favourite at Portman Road.

The former England U21 goalkeeper started all 46 matches for Ipswich Town during their League One promotion season, keeping 23 clean sheets and winning the Golden Glove.

Wanted Walton not going anywhere

TEAMtalk believes that a number of clubs have been considering bids for Walton this summer if he becomes a free agent, but Ipswich have moved to protect his immediate future by exercising the 12-month option on his contract.

Walton has made 89 appearances for Ipswich since signing a permanent transfer in January 2022, after initially coming on loan from Brighton in the summer of 2021.