At Ipswich Town, the thrill of new signings often comes with a touch of sadness when familiar faces leave. This transfer window has seen key figures like Vaclav Hladky, a consistent starter during Ipswich’s promotion campaign, and reserve forward Kayden Jackson depart.
Freddie Ladapo, another significant contributor, might also be on the move. The experienced striker was instrumental in Ipswich’s rise from League One, scoring 17 goals to help clinch the third-tier title. However, his influence has waned in the Championship, where he started just twice and made 17 appearances overall.
As Ipswich continues to elevate their game in the Premier League, it’s no surprise that Ladapo’s potential exit is being discussed. Despite his previous impact, his higher wage compared to teammates like Massimo Luongo and Luke Woolfenden—£7.3k per week versus their £5k and £3.8k—adds to the rationale for his departure.
Leading the line. 👊
All of Freddie Ladapo's league goals in 2022/23. ⚽️@Ladapo9 | #itfc pic.twitter.com/H5aLuNYG6I
— IPSWICH TOWN (@IpswichTown) May 16, 2023
In their Premier League opener against Liverpool, Luongo and Woolfenden delivered solid performances, demonstrating their value despite earning less than Ladapo. With new signings like Jens Cajuste and Kalvin Phillips bolstering the squad, it’s clear that Ipswich is focusing on balancing the books and optimizing their roster, which likely means Ladapo’s time at the club is nearing its end.