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Ipswich Town are arguably the best placed of the three relegated teams to bounce straight back into the Premier League.
Kieran McKenna’s men are one of the early favourites to win promotion from the Championship in 2025/26 after assembling a squad tailor-made for the second-tier in 2024.
Of course, following relegation from the top flight, there are always going to be vultures circling their best players. Ipswich have already sold Liam Delap to Chelsea for £30 million after his impressive 12-goal haul.
Omari Hutchinson also looks to be heading for the exit door as several Premier League clubs, including Everton, West Ham, Brentford, and Fulham, line up to trigger his £35 million release clause.
Supporters would have equally feared that star defender Dara O’Shea was on his way out amid interest from Wolves and Leeds United, though any worries of him departing have now been put to bed.
Ipswich Town fans are delighted after Dara O’Shea signs a new contract
On Tuesday, Ipswich officially announced that O’Shea agreed to sign a new five-year contract, which will keep him at Portman Road until 2030.
Reacting to this news via X, supporters of the Tractor Boys couldn’t contain their excitement, with one fan writing: “Best centre back last season without a shadow of a doubt. BIG!”
“Absolutely mega, will be a brick wall in the Championship,” someone else replied while a third said: “One of the best bits of business we can do this summer. Unreal stuff.”
“Big statement,” another commented. Meanwhile, a sixth stated: “Thank you Dara that’s brilliant news.”
Despite suffering relegation last term, defender O’Shea was crowned the club’s Player of the Year at the awards night, which is telling of the impact he made across his 35 league appearances.
What O’Shea said after signing new contract
It is incredible news that Ipswich have tied down arguably their best defender to a new contract, with supporters now demanding fresh terms agreed for Axel Tuanzebe.
McKenna also has Luke Woolfenden and Jacob Greaves as central defensive options, which demonstrates the level of depth available to him in the Championship.
Speaking after putting pen to paper on a five-year deal, O’Shea said: “I’m really happy and very proud to have signed a new contract at Ipswich Town.
“We learned a lot last season and that will be really important for us going forward. I’m glad to have signed this new contract and I am ready to get to work again in pre-season.
“There are good characters and good human beings at this club and I want to help deliver success again and help the club get back into the Premier League. This is a massive club but it can continue to grow and I’m excited.”
Considering he had Premier League interest, O’Shea clearly believes in the project at Portman Road, with the belief they can instantly bounce back.