A trio of former Ipswich Town players have been on the move this week, with Tomas Holy, Louie Barry and Joe Garner all sealing transfers as preparations ramp up for the 2026/27 season. Here’s the latest on the ex‑Blues making headlines across Europe and the EFL.
Holy Heads Home in Two-Year Deal
Former goalkeeper Tomas Holy has signed a two‑year contract with Czech second‑tier side FK Viagem Ústí nad Labem, continuing his return to football in his homeland.
The 34‑year‑old spent last season with promotion rivals Artis Brno, making 16 appearances as they finished one place above his new club. Holy returned to the Czech Republic in 2024 after leaving Carlisle United, initially joining Baník Most‑Souš following seven years in England, a spell that included time at Gillingham and three seasons at Portman Road.
Holy arrived at Ipswich under Paul Lambert in 2019 and went on to play 65 games, keeping 28 clean sheets. He also had loan spells at Port Vale and Cambridge United before joining Carlisle in 2022, helping them win promotion to League One in 2022/23
Barry Joins Wednesday After Leaving Villa
Former loanee Louie Barry has completed a permanent move to Sheffield Wednesday from Aston Villa, signing a four‑year deal as the Owls prepare for life in League One.
Barry, now 23, attracted interest from several clubs, but Wednesday secured his signature after a busy few seasons of loans. The forward joined Villa from Barcelona in 2020 and had nine temporary spells away from Villa Park, including a short stint at Portman Road during the first half of the 2021/22 campaign.
He was close to joining Hull City last summer in a £3.5m deal before their transfer embargo collapsed the move. Barry instead spent time at Sheffield United and later returned to Stockport County for a third spell in 2025/26.
On signing for Wednesday, Barry said:
“I’m buzzing and I can’t wait to get started – it’s just about finding a home and this is the place I want to be for the next part of my career. It’s now time to settle down and find a home and I think that will come out in my performances as well.”
“I’ve walked into a really warm atmosphere… I feel like I can progress at the same speed as the club wants to, which is fantastic.”
Garner Links Up With Morecambe
Former striker Joe Garner has joined Morecambe in the National League North after leaving Oldham Athletic, signing a one‑year deal with the option of a further year.
Garner spent two‑and‑a‑half seasons at Oldham, helping them return to the EFL in 2025. The 38‑year‑old, who scored 10 goals in 32 games for Ipswich during the 2017/18 campaign, now links up with Adam Lakeland’s side as they look to bounce back from relegation.
Garner said:
“It’s a massive club and we’re looking to push on this year to get out of the league. We know it will be difficult, but we’ll give it our best shot. I’m happy everything has been done so fast, so I can get out there with the lads. It’s going to be a massive pre-season.”
After leaving Ipswich in 2018 to join Wigan Athletic in a £1m deal, Garner went on to play in Cyprus before spells at Fleetwood Town and Carlisle United.
A Busy Summer for Former Blues
With Holy returning home, Barry settling in South Yorkshire and Garner taking on a new challenge in Lancashire, it’s been a lively week for former Ipswich players across the leagues. All three will be hoping their latest moves bring fresh momentum ahead of the new campaign.
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Hannah Darbyshire
Hannah is an Ipswich Town writer for Vital Football and a lifelong supporter of the club. Growing up following Town through the highs, lows, and long wait for a Premier League return, she brings a supporter’s voice and a sharp editorial eye to her coverage. Her work focuses on telling…