Ipswich Town are plotting a high-profile transfer move as the January window approaches its conclusion, with the club seeking to inject fresh talent into their squad to fuel their promotion aspirations.
The Race for the Premier League
Under the guidance of Kieran McKenna, the Tractor Boys have put together a strong Championship campaign. Although they currently sit five points adrift of the automatic promotion places, their game in hand keeps the dream of an immediate Premier League return very much alive. The hierarchy at Portman Road views the final days of the window as an opportunity to close the gap on league leaders Coventry City, especially as Frank Lampard’s side has shown signs of inconsistency recently.
The Pursuit of Thijs Dallinga
According to reports from the Italian outlet Il Resto del Carlino, Ipswich have officially submitted a proposal to Bologna for Dutch forward Thijs Dallinga. The 25-year-old is currently evaluating his future as the deadline looms.
Dallinga arrived in Serie A in the summer of 2024 with a high reputation, having been signed for approximately €18m to fill the void left by Joshua Zirkzee’s move to Manchester United. His move followed two prolific years at Toulouse, where he consistently reached double figures. However, his tenure in Italy has been challenging:
- Struggling Form: He managed only three league goals last season.
- Lack of Minutes: This season has seen him relegated primarily to a bench role, netting only once so far.
While Bologna appears open to a departure, the deal faces a major hurdle: the player himself. Reports suggest Dallinga has placed the move to Suffolk “on hold,” as he is reportedly hesitant about dropping down to the Championship.
A Major Statement of Intent
Despite his recent struggles in Italy, securing a player of Dallinga’s pedigree would represent a massive coup for Ipswich. While McKenna isn’t in a position of desperation regarding his striking options, the chance to land a player of this caliber—who is viewed as a significant upgrade—is an opportunity the club is determined to pursue.
The challenge now lies in convincing the Dutchman that Portman Road is the right environment to reignite his career. While there is significant work to be done to finalize the deal, the pursuit itself serves as a clear signal that Ipswich are hunting for elite quality to secure their place in the top flight.
With Dallinga currently hesitant about the Championship, would you like me to look for alternative strikers in the major European leagues who might be more open to a promotion battle?
