Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna discusses the January transfer window.
Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna emphasizes the significance of the upcoming January transfer window. The team bolstered their League One promotion push in early 2023 with notable additions such as Harry Clarke, Massimo Luongo, Nathan Broadhead, and George Hirst. Despite a relatively subdued summer transfer window, chief executive Mark Ashton asserts that the club possesses the financial capacity to reinforce its position in the Championship, currently standing second in the table.
McKenna expresses the intent to add quality and character to the team during this crucial transfer window, facing pivotal fixtures against Leeds (away) and league leaders Leicester (home) during the festive season. He acknowledges the importance of this window and aims to enhance the squad within the available resources and possibilities.
Reflecting on last January’s successful signings, McKenna acknowledges the benefits of early business and states the intention to pursue a similar approach this year. However, he acknowledges that timelines may not always be within their control when negotiating with other clubs. The manager suggests a preference for early acquisitions, recognizing that players benefit from additional time to integrate into the team’s training and work dynamics.
In terms of player acquisitions, McKenna discusses considering both permanent and loan options in the Championship. While the team focused less on loans in League One, where they aimed to develop and add value to their own players, the Championship presents opportunities to bring in players on loan whose value might exceed their permanent signing capabilities. McKenna stresses the need to stay open to both possibilities and find a balance that aligns with the team’s short-term and long-term development plans.
In conclusion, McKenna emphasizes the importance of maintaining discussions around the balance between permanent and loan signings during the upcoming transfer window, with a focus on enhancing the team for the second half of the season while adhering to the club’s broader development strategy.
