This Squad Audit comes at a point where Ipswich Town haven’t torn up the squad or gone chasing headlines this January, but the additions they’ve made, especially Dan Neil, have quietly shifted the picture.
It’s been a window built on small, deliberate steps rather than noise, and those steps have nudged the squad into its most competitive shape for the rest of the season.
Neil’s arrival, along with Anis Mehmeti’s, strengthens key areas without upsetting the balance, but it also tightens the numbers to the point where every move before the deadline now matters.
Between Christian Walton and Alex Palmer, Ipswich have two Championship‑ready starters.
Walton’s presence and shot‑stopping remain top tier, while Palmer has shown he can step in without the level dropping.
David Button is a steady, experienced cover. It’s one of the few areas of the squad where nothing needs touching.
Right‑back is well stocked.
Darnell Furlong has been a reliable presence, Ashley Young brings leadership and tactical intelligence, and Ben Johnson offers athleticism and versatility.
Even with Harry Clarke moving on, the right side feels secure.
Dara O’Shea, Cedric Kipré and Jacob Greaves give Ipswich a proper Championship core.
O’Shea organises, Kipré dominates physically, and Greaves brings composure and progression. Elkan Baggott is developing well and offers depth. It’s a settled, balanced unit that doesn’t need tinkering.
This is where the window has had the biggest impact.
Azor Matusiwa has been outstanding as the midfield anchor, but Dan Neil gives Ipswich another controller who can take the ball under pressure, move it quickly and dictate tempo. He’s mobile, technically sharp and fits the way McKenna wants to build attacks.
Around them, Jens Cajuste and Jack Taylor bring legs, ball‑carrying and late runs into the box. With Neil in the mix, this is now a genuinely competitive midfield group with multiple combinations depending on the opponent.
On the right, Wes Burns remains the senior figure, with Kasey McAteer offering directness and goal threat. Sindre Walle Egeli is raw but exciting.
On the left, Jaden Philogene and Jack Clarke are both capable of deciding games on their own.
Philogene’s knee issue is a short‑term concern, but Anis Mehmeti’s arrival gives Ipswich another creative, unpredictable option who can play inside or outside. It’s one of the most dangerous wide units in the league.
Marcelino Núñez and Sammie Szmodics give Ipswich two high‑end creators with goals in their boots. Núñez brings guile and set‑piece quality; Szmodics brings relentless movement and end product. It’s a position of strength.
George Hirst leads the line with power and link‑play. Ivan Azón gives Ipswich a more physical, direct option. Chuba Akpom offers finesse and penalty‑box intelligence, though his groin injury complicates things.
And this is where the squad mechanics matter.
Ipswich now have five loanees: Cedric Kipré, Jens Cajuste, Dan Neil, Chuba Akpom and Ivan Azón.
Championship rules allow a maximum of five loan players in a 20‑man matchday squad. Ipswich are at that limit.
They can sign another loan player, including a striker, but doing so would mean leaving at least one of the current five out every single matchday.
With Akpom injured, there’s a short‑term workaround, but once he’s fit, the numbers tighten again. Or they Could Sign one permanently now instead of the Summer for example, Cedric Kipre.
And beyond the loan rule, the squad is simply full. If Ipswich want to bring in another striker, they would almost certainly need to move someone out first. It’s not a case of “just add one more”. Someone has to make way.
Ipswich look stronger than they did at the start of January. Neil upgrades midfield control, Mehmeti boosts the left flank, and the defensive spine is solid.
The only real vulnerability is at left‑back and potentially a striker, and the only real complication is the loan limit. If the club makes one more move, it’ll be a carefully calculated one, not a gamble.
