Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna has confirmed that Harry Clarke is in talks with an unnamed club over a winter loan.
Ipswich Town are looking to strengthen their auto-promotion bid with a number of smart companies in January. The ITFC side don’t need much work, but some smart adjustments could get them over the line in a bid to return to the Premier League.
Fringe players will undoubtedly be moved further, with several players needing more playing time. Cameron Humphreys has already linked up with Huddersfield Townand fellow academy graduate Elkan Baggott is widely expected to take out a loan of his own.
Another player who has hardly featured is right back Harry Clarke. The 24-year-old has not been part of the first-team matchday squad all season and was also left out of Saturday’s FA Cup win over Blackpool.
Clarke’s omission led to further questions over his future at Ipswich Town, with manager Kieran McKenna confirming to the East Anglian Daily Times that he is in discussions about an exit. He said: “Yes, there is a chance. We’ll see how it goes this weekend, but he’s in talks with a club at the moment, so there’s a chance he could be loaned out in the second half of the season.”
A change of scenery awaits Ipswich Town’s Harry Clarke
Clarke, who started at the Ipswich Town academy before returning in 2023, is a popular figure among fans. He played an influential role in their successive promotions from League One to the Premier League.
However, playing time was limited in the top flight, resulting in a January loan to Sheffield United last year. Further additions have only pushed Clarke further down the pecking order.
Darnell FurlongAshley Young and Ben Johnson are all ahead of the former Arsenal man in the ranks. It means many have been anticipating a winter exit, and that will certainly benefit him.
Clarke hopes to go out and play regular first-team football. It will serve as an opportunity to put himself in the shop window as his ITFC contract expires at the end of this season.
If he can impress on loan, Clarke could earn a permanent move to his temporary home. Or it could put him in line for a transfer elsewhere.
Ipswich Town stats by Harry Clarke
Will the departure pave the way for Ipswich Town signings?
Ipswich Town are not short of money. Nevertheless, moving some fringe players like Clarke frees up space in the squad and frees up the budget for new players.
More departures could be in store, with questions surrounding Sammie Szmodics’ future. The aforementioned Baggott will also be one to watch.
ITFC will feel that a few additions can make a difference in the promotion. There have been calls for an upgrade at striker, but McKenna appears reluctant to make such a move, while a central midfielder could be sought for added depth and competition.
Eyes will be on potential signings, but it looks like more will follow first.
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