Darnell Furlong was a key man in Ipswich's recent promotion. (Image: Ross Halls)
Darnell Furlong
2025/26: Championship: 40 (0). Cups: 0 (0). Goals: 1.
Contract: 2028
Mr Dependable for Ipswich last season following a £3.5m switch from West Brom.
Has vast Championship experience, but his one proper season in the Premier League ended with relegation. Is that a concern? Personally, I think he’s got plenty of attributes to help a side that’s going to be up against it.
Could tuck inside and play on the right side of a back three, has a long throw weapon and produces gamesmanship when the going gets tough on the road. For me, he’s the sort of robust, passionate, reliable player that Ipswich should be going into battle with.
Whether he’s still a regular starter remains to be seen, but he’ll certainly be an important member of the squad.
Verdict: Every chance he’s a regular starter.
Ben Johnson's athleticism and versatility could be useful in the Premier League. (Image: Ross Halls)
Ben Johnson
2025/26: Championship: 9 (8). Cups: 2 (1). Goals: 1.
Contract: 2028
A difficult two years at Ipswich to assess. Has never quite been able to nail down a starting spot, but has always been ready when called upon. Can’t really categorise him as a right-back now given the majority of his Blues appearances have come at either left-back or right-wing.
For me, he has to be kept around for his versatility and athleticism. If Kieran McKenna does switch to a back three/five then Johnson’s attributes would make him well-suited to a wing-back role. Don’t forget, he played plenty of Premier League football at West Ham.
Verdict: Kept as a versatile squad player.
Harry Clarke (left) returns from a loan spell at Charlton. (Image: PA)
Harry Clarke
2025/26: Loan spell at Charlton Athletic.
Contract: 2026
Bombed on at right-back in the latter stages of the League One promotion and first part of the subsequent Championship promotion, but it’s been more than two years now since the ebullient Ipswich boy has been a big part of the picture.
After enduring a difficult Premier League debut at Brentford, Clarke’s had loan spells away at Sheffield United and Charlton. There have been injury set-backs along the way too.
Seems to have got positive reviews during his recent stint at The Valley. Imagine Ipswich will take up their 12-month extension option in his contract and look to get back some of the £1.5m fee paid to Arsenal in January 2023.
Verdict: Contract extended, then sold.
Dara O'Shea is set to wear the captain's armband again. (Image: Ross Halls)
Dara O’Shea
2025/26: Championship: 46 (0). Cups: 1 (0). Goals: Goals.
Contract: 2030
Irishman had offers to stay in the Premier League after Town’s relegation, but opted to sign a new five-year deal in Suffolk. Really grew into his role as captain last season and overcame the odd wobble to finish the season in immense form.
No doubt in my mind that the Republic of Ireland international is going to be skipper again next season and one of the first names on the team-sheet.
Verdict: Key player.
Jacob Greaves started 25 games in Ipswich's last Premier League campaign. (Image: Ross Halls)
Jacob Greaves
2025/26: Championship: 24 (1). Cups: 2 (1). Goals: 2.
Contract: 2029
Was seen as a player with a high ceiling when arriving from Hull for a £15m fee in the summer of 2024. Produced an outstanding debut against Liverpool, but a hamstring disrupted his first season in the Premier League and then Cedric Kipre’s form limited his game time in the campaign just gone.
The 25-year-old was an integral part of getting promotion over the line though and, having played at left-back a fair bit now, he could be well suited to operating on the left side of a back three if that’s the way McKenna goes.
Verdict: Battles for a starting spot.
Cedric Kipre has the physical attributes required for the Premier League. (Image: Ross Halls)
Cedric Kipre
2025/26: Championship: 29 (3). Cups: 3 (0). Goals: 3.
Contract: 2028
A powerful and composed presence at the heart of Town’s defence for much of last season, the Ivory Coast international has now seen his loan from Reims turn into a permanent deal.
Will he be a starter in the Premier League? Cons: Is prone to the odd lapse of concentration and the tiniest errors tend to be ruthlessly punished in the top flight. Pros: He’s physically elite, technically good enough and has experience playing in both back fours and back threes.
Verdict: Battles for a starting spot.
Elkan Baggott's development will be best served by regular minutes on loan. (Image: Ross Halls)
Elkan Baggott
2025/26: Championship: 0 (0). Cups: 1 (1). Goals: 0.
Contract: 2028
After an injury-hit season on loan at Blackpool, the academy graduate had to be kept around as emergency centre-back cover in the season just gone.
I think the 23-year-old has some top qualities – left-footed, strong in the air – but he’s not got enough experience under his belt to be part of the Premier League picture next season.
Verdict: Needs to get some proper game time on loan.
Leif Davis can't wait for another shot at the Premier League. (Image: Ross Halls)
Leif Davis
2025/26: Championship: 35 (2). Cups: 1 (0). Goals: 2.
Contract: 2029
Was talk of an England call-up when his incredible 18 assists helped Town to promotion in 23/24, but the Geordie admits his confidence took a knock when subsequently facing world class wingers week-in, week-out.
Is he good enough defensively for the top flight? Personally, I think the 26-year-old returns to the promised land a much more rounded player and fully deserves another shot at it. Tweaking the system to play him more as a left-wing back would probably do him some favours too.
Verdict: Key player.
Conor Townsend has just come back from a long-term knee injury. (Image: Ross Halls)
Conor Townsend
2025/26: Championship: 0 (0). Cups: 0 (0). Goals: 0.
Contract: 2026
Looked a really reliable back-up to Davis whenever called upon in the Premier League, but a pre-season ACL injury subsequently sidelined the former West Brom man for the entirety of the campaign just gone.
Would imagine Ipswich won’t renew the 33-year-old’s contract and look to sign someone else to really breath down Davis’ neck.
Verdict: Released.