Time’s up: McKenna needs to sell Ipswich star matching Delap’s salary.

Ipswich Town’s remarkable rise to the Premier League has been unprecedented, achieving back-to-back promotions from League One—a feat rarely seen in modern football. Under the guidance of manager Kieran McKenna, the club has transformed during a challenging period, instilling confidence in the players that led to their stunning achievements.

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For many supporters, a season in England’s top flight felt like a distant dream, but thanks to McKenna’s influence, a generation will experience an unforgettable season in 2024/25. To enhance their survival chances, the club invested over £100 million on new signings this summer.

One standout signing is striker Liam Delap, who joined from Manchester City in a deal that could rise to £20 million. Despite limited appearances in the Premier League, the 21-year-old has made a significant impact, scoring four goals in his first seven league games and ranking joint fourth among the top scorers.

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His performance against Aston Villa, where he netted two goals, highlighted his potential, although Ipswich ultimately lost 4-1 to West Ham in his latest match.

While Delap’s contributions are vital, another first-team player, goalkeeper Christian Walton, earns the same £20,000 per week but has not matched Delap’s impact on the pitch. Walton, who played primarily as a backup last season, has only made one league appearance this season.

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Given his hefty salary and limited game time, the club may consider offloading him to allow younger talents like Cieran Slicker to gain valuable experience.

Although Walton is a capable player, his current situation may lead to a transfer opportunity in January.