Ipswich Town must clear out their roster this summer before the Premier League season starts.
Ipswich Town Faces Tough Decisions Post-Promotion
While everyone at Ipswich Town celebrated their promotion to the Premier League, questions lingered about the future of certain players. Decisions on who stays and who leaves loom large as the club prepares for the top flight.
Clearing Out the Deadwood
Manager Kieran McKenna and his team are set to trim the squad, aiming to build a resilient unit capable of handling Premier League challenges. Among those likely to depart is Dominic Ball. With his contract expiring next month, Ball’s high wages and fringe status make him a prime candidate for release.
Dominic Ball’s Journey
Ball joined Ipswich from Queens Park Rangers when the team was still in League One. Versatile in both defensive midfield and defense, he has made 35 appearances over two seasons. However, this past season, Ball only played ten times in the Championship and started just once, putting his future at Ipswich in doubt.
Wage Disparities
Ball earns a substantial £6.1k per week, more than key players Wes Burns and Massimo Luongo, who each earn £5k per week. Despite their lower salaries, Burns and Luongo have been integral to Ipswich’s success, accumulating 82 appearances between them this season. Burns even scored the crucial opening goal on the final day, securing Ipswich’s promotion.
Top Earners at Ipswich
Ipswich’s highest earners include Axel Tuanzebe (£20k per week), George Hirst (£17.1k per week), Sam Morsy (£12.3k per week), Leif Davis (£9.4k per week), and George Edmundson (£8.8k per week). While Ball’s wages don’t place him among the top five, his release could free up funds for more deserving players like Luongo and Burns.
Moving Forward
As Ipswich gears up for the Premier League, parting ways with Ball seems inevitable. His high salary and limited playing time make him an unlikely candidate to remain with the team. While Ball will miss the chance to play in the top flight, his departure will help Ipswich create a more balanced and competitive squad.