Ipswich’s free signing is now worth three times more than Burns!

22/05/2024 Simeon Football 0

Ipswich Town hopes this star continues to shine in the Premier League.

When Ipswich Town kicks off their mission to stay in the Premier League next season, it will mark their return to the top flight for the first time since the 2001/02 campaign. Back then, under the guidance of iconic manager George Burley, the Tractor Boys achieved a fifth-place finish before facing relegation. Now, the team hopes Kieran McKenna can become their next legendary boss in the elite league, provided he remains with the club.

Ipswich is unlikely to overhaul their squad dramatically this summer, sticking to their successful model from League One and the Championship. Among the key players is Luke Woolfenden, who has been with the club since 2017 and is eager to make his mark in the Premier League. The 25-year-old, who was just three years old during Ipswich’s last top-flight stint, has experienced all the recent highs and lows, and now has two promotions under McKenna’s leadership.

Woolfenden’s journey at Ipswich began with his first-team debut under Mick McCarthy in 2017. His rise has been gradual and challenging, making only five appearances in his first two seasons before becoming a significant presence during the club’s League One struggles. His full debut came in a 4-0 victory over Reading in April 2018, and he is the only remaining player from that lineup still with the team.

Woolfenden’s status solidified under McKenna, leading to a surge in his transfer value. According to Football Transfers, he has become one of Ipswich’s most valuable assets. Over the last two seasons, he has only missed ten league games, becoming a linchpin in the defense.

Despite Ipswich’s attacking prowess, which saw them score 92 goals this season, Woolfenden and his defensive partner Cameron Burgess have been crucial. Woolfenden, known for his composure and leadership, has complemented Burgess’s strength well. Their stats reflect a solid defensive partnership, with Woolfenden excelling in pass completion and tackles.

On the final day against Huddersfield Town, Woolfenden showcased his reliability, contributing to his 14th clean sheet of the season and completing 59 of his 64 passes. His performance helped secure Ipswich’s long-awaited return to the Premier League.

Currently valued at £7.2m, Woolfenden is Ipswich’s most valuable player, surpassing even his defensively adept teammate Leif Davis and standout performer Wes Burns. Burns, despite his contributions, is valued at just £2.3m, partly due to his age compared to the younger Woolfenden.

Woolfenden’s value has skyrocketed from around £800k in 2020, and he hopes to maintain this trajectory as he faces top Premier League teams like Arsenal and Manchester City. As Ipswich looks to solidify their place in the top tier, Woolfenden aims to continue his impressive rise and play a key role in the club’s ongoing success.