Ipswich Town must remain firm in the face of pressure from Barnsley and Bolton
Kieran McKenna’s Ipswich Town team will be hoping to emerge out of January stronger than they went in.
The Tractor Boys have just recently returned to the second tier, yet they are playing like a Championship team.
McKenna’s club has been one of the star performers this season, racing into an early lead at the top of the league alongside Leicester City.
They have experienced a drop in results in recent weeks, which has allowed teams like Southampton and Leeds United to enter the race.
Ipswich already have a good roster for this tier, but with injuries and a drop in form, McKenna may try to recruit one or two players.
With the likely entrance of new players, Town may be considering player sales, and Idris El Mizouni is one name receiving interest.
Barnsley and Bolton Wanderers are interested in signing Idris El Mizouni
The East Anglian Daily Times claimed at the end of last week that Ipswich had turned down modest six-figure bids from numerous League One clubs for El Mizouni.
The 23-year-old came through Portman Road’s system, playing for the club’s under-18s and under-23s.
He has, however, spent the last few seasons on loan at a number of EFL clubs, including Cambridge United, Grimsby Town, and, most recently, Leyton Orient.
The midfielder spent last season on loan with the O’s and has done so again this season, and it appears that his performances for the club have piqued the interest of potential suitors.
This source claims that Barnsley, Bolton Wanderers, Oxford United, and Wycombe Wanderers are all interested in El Mizouni.
It goes on to say that Ipswich would be happy to sell El Mizouni this month if his valuation is fulfilled. While that is the club’s willingness to take this month, Ipswich should remain tough and not sell the midfielder just yet.
Ipswich must stand firm and not sell Idris El Mizouni
As previously stated, the 23-year-old is now on loan at League One club Leyton Orient.
Last season, the midfielder appeared 41 times for the Orient, helping the club gain promotion to England’s third division. El Mizouni scored three goals and had two assists throughout that span.
He was a key member of Richie Wellens’ side last season, so the Orient boss was able to bring him back for a second loan term.
El Mizouni has played 30 times for the London club this season, with 25 of those games coming in League One, and while he has yet to score in the league, he is still doing admirably.
He’s started 24 of the 25 league games he’s played this season, averaging 83 minutes per game. According to SofaScore.com, the 23-year-old is averaging 0.9 shots per game with 0.3 on target every game.
El Mizouni has had 60.7 touches this season but has missed one huge chance. He has also created one good chance. The midfielder has 0.7 critical passes and an 87% passing accuracy per game. According to SofaScore.com, El Mizouni has performed admirably on defense, averaging 1.2 interceptions and 2.7 tackles per game while also winning the ball back 0.2 times every game.
The Ipswich man hasn’t had the expected impact at the top end of the pitch this season, but he has contributed in other areas that will please Wellens and his Orient teammates.
It’s natural that these League One clubs want to buy El Mizouni, but Ipswich must hold firm in their stance on the talented midfielder. He is clearly a talented player who may force his way into the Ipswich starting XI in a year or two, therefore it would be foolish to let him go this month.
Ipswich obviously do not require the funds, thus the only reason they are interested in selling the player this month is that his contract expires at the end of the season. However, the Tractor Boys should consider extending it and then integrating El Mizouni into their first-team setup rather than selling him for a modest transfer fee.
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