Ipswich Town had fewer loanees than most in League One last season. STUART WATSON looks at whether their two borrowed players might return to Portman Road for 2023/24. 
East Anglian Daily Times: Bali Mumba (top) was one of six loan players that helped Plymouth Argyle win the League One title.Bali Mumba (top) was one of six loan players that helped Plymouth Argyle win the League One title. (Image: PA Images)

A COMPARISON

Ipswich had just two loan players in 2022/23 - Tyreece John-Jules and George Hirst. Combined, they contributed 10 goals from 26 starts and 18 substitute appearances.

Here's how that compared to the rest of the top six finishers. 

Plymouth: Six loanees contributing 36 goals from 145 starts and 75 sub appearances - Finn Azaz, Bali Mumba, Morgan Whittaker, Nigel Lonwijk, Sam Cosgrove and Jay Matete.

Sheffield Wednesday: Four loanees contributing four goals from 74 starts and 14 sub appearances - Reece James, Mark McGuinness, Alex Mighten and Aden Flint.

Barnsley: Seven loaness contributing 16 goals from 80 starts and 67 sub appearances - Slobodan Tedic, Josh Martin, Tom Edwards, Ziyad Larkeche, Max Watters, Bobby Thomas and Harvey Isted.

Bolton: Six loanees contributing 10 goals from 124 starts and 24 sub apps - James Trafford, Conor Bradley, Owen Beck, Dan Nlundulu, Shola Shoretire, Luke Mbete.

Peterborough: Six loanees contributing one goal from 76 starts and 14 sub apps - Harvey Cartwright, Lucas Bergstrom, Kelland Watts, Will Norris, Nathanael Ogbeta, Kabongo Tshimanga.

East Anglian Daily Times: Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna doesn't want too many loan players in his squad.Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna doesn't want too many loan players in his squad. (Image: Pagepix Ltd)

WHAT MCKENNA’S SAID 

“I don’t think it’s ever right to speculate on whether any loans could or would be made permanent because their clubs have been good enough to show their belief in us to take their players. 

“For sure, the players we’ve had on loan have had a really good impact - both of them we like. 

“I’m keen on not taking loans for the sake of it, we don’t want to take many loans. We went into the season wanting to have the large, large majority of the squad on permanent contracts and only take loans if we thought the fit was really, really good and they could have a big impact. 

“That was the case with those two players. 

“Those conversations will be for the next few weeks as we plan for the squad for next year. They’re not conversations which have been had yet.” 

East Anglian Daily Times: George Hirst scored seven goals for Ipswich Town while on loan from Leicester City.George Hirst scored seven goals for Ipswich Town while on loan from Leicester City. (Image: Pagepix)

GEORGE HIRST 

Hirst has been a real hit at Portman Road since joining on loan from Leicester City on January 8. 

The 23-year-old striker helped fire the Blues to promotion with seven goals in 16 starts and seven sub appearances, showing just why McKenna had chased his signature for so long. 

Both during the top-two sealing 6-0 home thrashing of Exeter and when he limped off on the final day at Fleetwood, Blues fans chanted ‘sign him up’. 

Hirst has two years left on his deal with the Foxes, with Dean Smith’s side currently two points adrift of safety with three games to go.  

“I’ve absolutely loved being here and playing at Portman Road. If that is to continue then great,” the front man recently told the EADT. 

“Let's see what happens next.” 

Of the strikers permanently contracted to Ipswich, Freddie Ladapo is the main man. Joe Pigott and Gassan Ahadme will be returning from loans with Portsmouth and Burton respectively and face uncertain futures. 

VERDICT: It looks to me like everything is in place for this to happen. The only possible kink I can see is if Leicester get relegated and opt to take a look at Hirst themselves - at least over pre-season.

Would Ipswich be prepared to wait until late in the window to get their man in that scenario? Or would McKenna look elsewhere for a talisman? Time will tell. 

East Anglian Daily Times: Tyreece John-Jules scored three goals in 10 starts and 11 sub appearances for Ipswich Town while on loan from Arsenal.Tyreece John-Jules scored three goals in 10 starts and 11 sub appearances for Ipswich Town while on loan from Arsenal.

TYREECE JOHN-JULES 

It’s easy to forget the impact the Arsenal loanee had during the early stages of the season. 

The 22-year-old showed he could lead the line or play as a support forward, scored a superb solo goal at Shrewsbury and looked to be hitting his stride as the winter months arrived. 

After bagging three times in 10 starts and 11 sub appearances he underwent hamstring surgery in November. Then, just as he reached the latter stages of his rehab, there was a season-ending injury to his quad – the same problem that prematurely ended his time at previous loan club Sheffield Wednesday. 

“I think he’s such a good player, has qualities that are hard to find, so we’ve certainly missed him,” said McKenna, speaking back in February. 

“I think he was incredibly settled here and was a really, really popular part of the group.” 

John-Jules was back at Portman Road to join in the recent promotion celebrations. Read into that what you will.

It’s not clear when his current contract at The Emirates expires. 

VERDICT: John-Jules didn't count towards the 22-man 'senior' squad limit for Town in the season just gone. Having turned 22 in February, he would take up one of the 25 'senior' spots afforded to Championship clubs.

There’s no getting away from it, a wretched injury record is a major concern. But if priced accordingly, the former England U21 may be seen as worth the gamble given his big potential. 

It's hard to call which way this decision will go.