After Jens Cajuste update, Mark Ashton has clear next transfer priority at Ipswich

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Ipswich Town’s transfer activity is finally starting to heat up as the Blues look at strengthening their ranks to regain their Premier League status.

Under the guidance of Kieran McKenna and Mark Ashton, the Tractor Boys managed to earn back-to-back promotions through League One and the Championship.

Ipswich’s long-awaited return to the Premier League saw them land with a thud, as they were sent back into the second tier after just one season in the top flight.

The picture at Portman Road is a much broader one, though, which involves gradual growth and improvement through their transfer business.

On top of the majority of their signings from last season, Jens Cajuste’s expected return to Ipswich now paves the way for the next step in their recruitment drive.

• READ MORE: The 10 best signings in the Championship this summer with one month of the transfer window to go

Ipswich must address striker transfer situation after midfield arrivals

One of the main focuses for Ipswich this summer has been in the midfield, with some clear rejuvenation needed.

Exits for Sam Morsy and Massimo Luongo have paved the way for some new additions to the central ranks.

Azor Matusiwa joined the club from Rennes, before Ipswich tried to sign Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough, though that deal appears unlikely, at least for now.

Instead, Ipswich are closing in on Jens Cajuste, with the midfielder seemingly set to return after last season’s loan spell.

With that seemingly wrapping up the problems in midfield, the next priority is clear: the Blues need another striker.

Liam Delap’s transfer to Chelsea has left them with just George Hirst, who signed a new contract this summer, and Ali Al-Hamadi, who returns from a loan spell at Stoke City.

While they bring some quality with them, Ashton may be looking at other possible number nine additions who can add something different.

Delap’s physicality and ball-striking will be a clear miss, and while Hirst can do some of that while adding energy, the focus should be on finding other ways to score goals in that frontline.

• READ MORE: Ipswich Town must beat Premier League and ‘top Championship’ clubs to sign prolific 14-goal striker

Striker signing could pave the way for Ali Al-Hamadi’s transfer exit

If Ipswich do go on to sign another striker to compete in the frontline this season, that may well cause a ripple effect in the team.

The future of Ali Al-Hamadi has come into question, following the star’s loan spell at Stoke City for the second half of last season.

The 23-year-old was signed as a potential value prospect for the future in January 2024, but the Tractor Boys’ promotion to the Premier League has seen him struggle to find a place in the team.

That could offer up the chance of an exit, and the opportunity for Ipswich to make a profit with the type of transfer trading they need to complete.

It remains to be seen if that will happen, though, as Al-Hamadi’s pre-season form has suggested he could fight for his place.