Ipswich Town will most certainly know that they must win their final three games to earn a spot in the Premier League next season.
The Tractor Boys have had a fantastic 2023/24 season, especially considering they were only promoted to the Championship last season.
However, Kieran McKenna’s side has played some fantastic football this season, which has contributed to their current point total.
Obviously, if the club is promoted, they will enter the summer in a different category than they would if they remained in the Championship.
That is already evident, with the club strongly connected with a deal for West Ham United defender Ben Johnson.
Johnson has several fans in the Championship, and the Tractor Boys are reported to have joined the list.
Ipswich Town join transfer race for Ben Johnson
Leeds United expressed interest in signing West Ham’s Ben Johnson in January, as Daniel Farke sought to improve the full-back position. The team did this, but only after signing Connor Roberts.
But in the same month, Leeds were joined by Southampton, who were also interested in the youngster and were exploring a deal.
According to the Daily Mirror (21/4 paper edition; page 71), both clubs are still interested in the player, but Ipswich Town has emerged as a new competitor.
According to the source, Johnson is someone the Tractor Boys are keeping an eye on because his contract with the Premier League club ends at the end of this season, which means if a new agreement isn’t agreed upon, he will go on a free transfer.
Obviously, this is only chatter at the moment, as no deal has been progressed, but if Ipswich win the race for the full-back, it may spell the end for current Town player Axel Tuanzebe, who has been deployed extensively in that area this season.
Ben Johnson’s potential arrival at Ipswich could spell the end for Axel Tuanzebe
Ipswich Town chose to sign Axel Tuanzebe in September after the defender departed Manchester United and remained a free agent after failing to find a new club.
This is understandable given that Kieran McKenna worked with Tuanzebe at Old Trafford, so the Ipswich manager is aware of what he can offer his squad.
The 26-year-old has previously played in the Championship, including two loan periods at Aston Villa, one of which saw him help the club reach the play-offs.
Tuanzebe’s tenure at Old Trafford was less successful; he did participate in over 30 first-team games, but he never truly established himself as a regular.
So when he announced his departure from Manchester United, it was unknown where he would head. But McKenna chose to take the risk and give the defender a chance to play for them as they seek back-to-back promotions.
Tuanzebe hasn’t played much for the club, but he’s had a significant impact, appearing 15 times in the Championship. That’s not too terrible considering he didn’t make his league debut with the team until the beginning of November.
Since then, the defender has started 13 of the 15 games he has appeared in, and while Tuanzebe is originally a centre-back, it may surprise you to learn that he has primarily played as a right-back, a position he previously played for Manchester United.
Tuanzebe has performed reasonably well since joining the club, creating one major chance for his teammates, averaging 0.2 crucial passes, and grabbing one assist, which is higher than his xAG of 0.58.
Furthermore, the 26-year-old has averaged 1.5 interceptions, 1.5 tackles, and an amazing 5.4 ball recoveries, allowing him to be part of a defense that has kept three clean sheets while he has been on the field, according to Sofascore.com.
The defender hasn’t been particularly impressive this season, but he has always seemed to perform his job when called upon, making him a firm fan favourite. As seen in the tweet below, Tuanzebe has excelled in the right-back and centre-back positions he has played in, and while his contract expires this season, the club has the option to extend it, which many will hope the club does.
Just thinking about how crucial Axel Tuanzebe has been during our recent run of form. He’s perfect for the hybrid RB/RCB role.
He’s so defensively solid, calm in possession and attacking qualities have improved significantly recently.
However, if the current rumours are genuine and Ipswich do seek a deal for Ben Johnson, Tuanzebe may find himself missing out.
current is because, as previously said, the player’s contract expires at the conclusion of current season, and the Tractor Boys might simply choose not to exercise the option in his contract. While Ipswich already has Harry Clarke at right-back, it seems likely that one of Clarke or Tuanzebe will be allowed to leave to make place for Johnson.
This may be viewed as an upgrade by the club and management, but it appears Tuanzebe has performed admirably in the few games he has played, and some fans may want the team to keep the ex-Manchester United player rather than sign Johnson. However, if the West Ham player does arrive, Tuanzebe’s time at Portman Road may be up.
