Ipswich Town’s first signing of the January window has already made a strong impression inside the dressing room, with captain Dara O’Shea speaking openly about the excitement surrounding Anis Mehmeti.
The Albanian attacker joined from Bristol City and was thrown straight into action, making his debut less than 24 hours later in the 3–1 defeat to Sheffield United. Even in a difficult result, there were flashes of what he can bring to Kieran McKenna’s side.
O’Shea didn’t hide the squad’s reaction when the news broke. “He’s a really good player, and we were obviously very excited when we heard he was coming in,” he said.
The sense around the group is that Ipswich have added a player who fits both the technical and cultural demands of McKenna’s system.
O’Shea was quick to highlight why Mehmeti’s profile suits the team so well.
“He’s one of the best players in the league – technically, with the ball at his feet, he’s amazing,” the captain said, underlining the attacker’s ability to break lines and create moments in tight areas.
Supporters saw glimpses of that during his debut cameo. “You saw that in glimpses today, getting on the ball and trying to bring us forward,” O’Shea added.
McKenna’s approach relies on fluid movement, intelligent rotations and attackers who can operate between the lines.
Mehmeti’s versatility, comfortable wide, central or drifting into pockets, gives Ipswich another dynamic option as they push through a demanding run of fixtures.
While Mehmeti’s technical ability is obvious, O’Shea was just as keen to highlight the less glamorous side of his game.
“Off the ball as well, his work rate is top. That’s something that’s going to align with the group. We’re a hard‑working group; we pride ourselves on that.”
That mentality is central to Ipswich’s rise under McKenna.
The squad’s identity is built on collective effort, defensive discipline and a willingness to press aggressively from the front. Mehmeti’s attitude, O’Shea believes, will only strengthen that culture.
“I think him coming into the group now, he can maybe add to that a bit more and push us on again,” he said, a clear sign of the belief inside the camp that this signing is more than just depth.
Ipswich have been one of the Championship’s most consistent sides this season, particularly defensively, with O’Shea and Cédric Kipré forming a strong partnership at the back.
The addition of a creative, high‑energy attacker like Anis Mehmeti gives the team another dimension as they navigate a busy schedule.
With Harry Clarke and Cameron Humphreys departing on loan, Ipswich briefly dropped below the 25‑man senior squad limit, but the signing of Dan Neil from Sunderland brought the club back up to the maximum allocation.
As a result, Town would now need to sell or loan out a senior player before they can register another signing in this window.
Ipswich Town have built their season on smart recruitment, strong culture and a clear identity. The arrival of Anis Mehmeti ticks every box. He brings creativity, energy and a spark that could prove decisive in tight games.
And with O’Shea, one of the club’s most influential voices speaking so warmly about him, it’s clear the squad believe he can help push them over the line in the months ahead.
