Manager Kieran McKenna has hailed Massimo Luongo as an ‘incredible player for the club’ after confirming that the midfielder will leave Ipswich Town when his contract expires next month.
Having joined the Tractor Boys in January 2023, the Australian went on to be a key player in the back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League.
However, the 32-year-old has struggled for minutes in the top flight, with his last start having come back on the second game of the season away at Manchester City.
Massimo Luongo will leave Ipswich Town next month. Picture: Barry Goodwin
And with a World Cup to come next summer, Luongo will leave Portman Road in search of more regular match action.
Paying tribute to the impact made by the Sydney-born player, McKenna said: “Massimo’s going to be moving on in the summer, so I think it’s only right that the supporters, and I’m sure they’ll be really keen to do so, have an opportunity to give him the farewell that I think he deserves and he has the opportunity to give the farewell as well.
“He’s been an incredible player for the club, probably if you wanted to look at up until this season in the Premier League, but points per game and win percentages, he might be the best free signing in football history.
“From a football IQ point of view and a game-feel point of view, and I’ve said this to him, I think he’s the best player I’ve worked with, and I’ve worked with some really good players.
“His football brain is outstanding. He’s a competitor and it’s been really good to have him here. You still see that day-to-day and, to be honest, I think he can do a really good job still. He’s still in good condition, he’s training really well. He’s, I think, got a really good chance to push on next year and be a big player for someone and, hopefully, play in the World Cup and all those things.
“That’s really about what the decision is based around. He deserves to go and start a lot of games next season and hopefully push on and be an important player and earn his spot in the Australia squad if they can qualify for the World Cup.
“And for us, it’s a position as a club where we need to try and invest in the future. Sam (Morsy) and Mass in particular have done incredibly for the club and Samy’s still going to be an important part of it next year but we still need to invest in those roles, in those positions and add depth to that midfield unit for next season but also for the seasons ahead.
“I think it’s the right decision for all parties. I know the supporters will be keen to send Massimo off well and he’ll be keen to play a part in a big performance and I think he’s got a great chance to push on and have another great season next year.”