Ipswich Town’s hopes of retaining manager Kieran McKenna have taken a hit after Jose Mourinho reportedly closed in on a deal to manage Benfica. West Ham United, who are interested in McKenna, had also considered Mourinho as a potential replacement for Graham Potter.
Key Developments:
- Mourinho to Benfica: Mourinho is expected to reach an agreement with Benfica soon, following the Portuguese giants’ dismissal of Bruno Lage after a humiliating 3-2 loss to Qarabag in the UEFA Champions League.
- McKenna’s Potential Move: With Mourinho off the table, McKenna’s potential move to West Ham has gained traction. McKenna was spotted in the West Ham boardroom during their match against Tottenham Hotspur, fueling speculation about his future.
- Significant Fee: Appointing McKenna would likely require West Ham to pay a significant fee to Ipswich Town, which could have been avoided if Mourinho was available as a free agent.
- McKenna’s Stance: Despite reports of West Ham’s interest, McKenna is reportedly not considering leaving Ipswich Town. The 39-year-old has been instrumental in the team’s success, guiding them to back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League ¹ ².
Ipswich Town’s Current Performance:
- Championship Standings: Ipswich Town is currently 14th in the Championship, with 6 points from 5 matches.
- Recent Win: The team recently secured a 5-0 win over Sheffield United, showcasing their potential for a strong promotion push ³.
