Ipswich Town are looking to extend the contract of first-choice goalkeeper Václav Hladký, who has had a strong but unprecedented season.
Hladký, who is out of contract in the summer, provided cover for Christian Walton throughout his first two seasons with the club. However, after the latter sustained a foot injury in pre-season, he stepped in as Ipswich headed on their first season back in the Championship since 2019.
The 33-year-old hasn’t looked back, and his ball-playing ability has been critical to Ipswich’s unexpected push for back-to-back promotions.
According to Alan Nixon’s Patreon page, he is about to be awarded a new long-term deal.
Hladký has started every league minute for Ipswich this season, maintaining 14 clean sheets while replacing former number-one Walton.
Walton will be disappointed not to have played a role in the club’s historic season after helping Ipswich win promotion to the Championship last season, and the English shot-stopper will most certainly try to leave this summer.
Walton is out of contract in June, but Ipswich have an option for another year and would be wise to use it to boost the keeper’s sell-on value this summer.
The 28-year-old is at the peak of his career, and after keeping 23 clean sheets in 46 League One games last season, he still has a lot to give and will be in high demand if Ipswich decide to trade.
Hladký has Premier League ambitions
At 33, Hladký is one of the more seasoned alternatives in Kieran McKenna’s side.
Despite this, the Czech goalkeeper is enjoying his first full season as a starter with the Tractor Boys, and it’s unknown how he’ll adapt if Ipswich is promoted to the Premier League.
Hladký is eager to sign a new deal and accomplish his lifetime dream of playing in the Premier League, even if it means covering for a new goalkeeper.
Hladký is a trusted member of McKenna’s team and might solidify his spot as number one in the Premier League next season. However, Ipswich will want to tie down the veteran shot-stopper following a successful season.
Walton won’t be short of suitors this summer
After keeping a clean sheet every other game for Ipswich in League One, Walton was anticipated to play a similar role this season.
Due to injuries and Hladký’s familiarity with the ball, Walton’s chances of reclaiming the top spot appear slim.
Walton’s Championship experience with former club Wigan Athletic, as well as an eye-catching loan spell with Blackburn Rovers and impressive performances last season, means he has a solid reputation in the football league and will command a fair fee if Ipswich exercise the one-year option in his contract.
Walton drew interest from Luton Town last summer, and with relegation to the Championship on the horizon, the Hatters could make another move for the goalkeeper.
Celtic is apparently interested in Hladký, prompting Ipswich to make a swift choice or risk losing both players for free this summer.
The Tractor Boys are ready to give Hladký a new deal, which makes great sense. However, it would be sensible to activate Walton’s extension and try to transfer him on in the forthcoming window.
