One In, One Out: Ipswich Town could make a dream start to their summer transfer window

After a 22-year absence, Ipswich Town will return to the Premier League next season after winning two straight promotions under Kieran McKenna.

The Tractor Boys sealed their long-awaited return to the top level with a 2-0 victory over Huddersfield Town on the final day of the season, and while the celebrations continue, the focus will soon shift to creating a squad ready to fight in the Premier League.

Ipswich have mostly kept the same group of players during their promotions from League One and the Championship, but considering the increase in quality, the club will most certainly need to recruit this summer.

Promotion to the Premier League means Ipswich will have money to spend, and it remains to be seen how McKenna will spend it, but you’d expect him to recruit wisely, unlike some clubs, such as Nottingham Forest, who made 21 summer signings after promotion in 2022, much to their detriment.

With that in mind, here’s how Ipswich Town might have a fantastic start to the transfer window, both in terms of new arrivals and exits.

IN – Carl Rushworth

Carl Rushworth, Brighton’s goalkeeper, spent the 2023/24 season on loan at Swansea City, where he impressed, earning both the club’s supporter’s and player’s player of the year awards.

Now for the men’s Players’ Player of the Season award. 💫

Congratulations Carl Rushworth 💪

Sponsored by @owensgroupuk pic.twitter.com/C2Jqcd6frD

— Swansea City AFC (@SwansOfficial) May 1, 2024

He impressed so highly that Gareth Southgate is allegedly considering adding him to England’s senior squad for the forthcoming Euros this summer.

Rushworth has never played in the Premier League, but following EFL loans with Walsall, Lincoln City, and Swansea, the 22-year-old has proved that it is just a matter of time before he becomes a top-flight goalkeeper.

Ipswich may require a goalkeeper this summer, with both Vaclav Hladky and Christian Walton out of contract at Portman Road, and Rushworth, despite lacking Premier League experience, is good enough to start for Ipswich in the top tier next season.

Even if Hladky stays with the club, he may not be the starting goalkeeper in the Premier League, and Ipswich may want to upgrade on him this summer.

Rushworth would be an ideal permanent acquisition for the Tractor Boys, and at 22, he’s just going to improve and could be a regular between the posts for Ipswich for years to come.

The Halifax-born goalkeeper is under contract with Brighton until the summer of 2027, but Ipswich should test the waters with a permanent move for him this summer and might offer him a starting spot in the Premier League, something he may not obtain with the Seagulls.

A loan could work as well with Rushworth coming in to provide cover and competition for the number one shirt in the top flight.