Kieran McKenna believes Ipswich Town’s midfield is stronger than ever, despite missing out on top target Hayden Hackney. The Tractor Boys had offered £20 million for Hackney, but he chose to stay with Middlesbrough.
“We’ve got a really strong midfield unit,” McKenna said. “In every transfer window, there’s a whole list of players you’re interested in. Some arrive, some don’t.”
Ipswich has bolstered their midfield with the additions of Jens Cajuste on loan from Napoli, Marcelino Nunez from Norwich City for £7.5 million, and Azor Matusiwa for £7.8 million. McKenna praised his team’s midfield strength, highlighting the potential of young players like Jack Taylor and Cam Humphreys.
“We’ll keep working with Azor and Marcelino, who are both still really new to the club,” McKenna added. “I think we’ve got really good strength and really good options if we can keep them all fit and available.”
McKenna is aware of Middlesbrough’s strong midfield duo, Hackney and Aidan Morris, who have played together for a couple of seasons. “A big part of their game is connecting through those two midfielders,” McKenna noted. “When a team plays like that, you’ve got to work really hard to stop the ball reaching those areas.”
Ipswich will face Middlesbrough on Friday, with doubts over Aidan Morris’s availability due to international travel.