It’s been a poor start for Ipswich Town after a busy summer transfer window. After relegation from the Premier League, the Tractor Boys are expected to win promotion from the Championship and make a swift return to the top flight.
However, it’s been a shocking start for Kieran McKenna’s side. After being dumped out of the Carabao Cup by League Two Bromley, Ipswich are yet to win after three games in the league. Back-to-back one-one draws with Birmingham City and Southampton were followed by a one-nil defeat at Deepdale against Preston North End.
Off the pitch, Town have had multiple incomings and outgoings. Signings such as Kasey McAteer, Chuba Akpom, Ashley Young, Azor Matusiwa and Cedric Kipre have all arrived at Portman Road on either permanent deals or loans. Omari Hutchinson, Liam Delap and Nathan Broadhead have all departed for a combined fee of close to £80 million. The Tractor Boys are looking to invest that in a new midfielder.
Ipswich Agree Deal With Fierce Rivals For Midfielder
According to John Percy, Ipswich have agreed a deal with Norwich City to sign midfielder Marcelino Nunez.
It is a permanent deal, with the fee being £10 million plus £2.5 million in add-ons. The move will spark fury amongst Norwich fans, with Ipswich being their arch-rivals.
Nunez has been pushing for the move after rejecting more than two contract offers from the Canaries. Norwich have had an equally poor start to the campaign, with just one win and two losses for Liam Manning’s side. The Canaries currently sit just one place above Ipswich.
Nunez’s Norwich Career So Far
Nunez signed for Norwich City in August 2022 from Universidad Catolica for an undisclosed fee. In his first season, the Chile international scored three goals and assisted twice from defensive midfield in 39 appearances.
In the 2023/2024 season, Nunez made 42 appearances, scoring twice and assisting three as Norwich made the play-offs. The Canaries were heavily beaten by Leeds United, losing four-nil on aggregate.
Last season was Nunez’s best in the yellow shirt, scoring six and assisting four in just 35 appearances. After starting this season off in fine form, Ipswich have made their move to sign the impressive midfielder.
Is This A Good Move For Nunez And Ipswich?
For Nunez, this is a good move. The Chilean will bring his aggressiveness and technical ability to Kieran McKenna’s midfield and should become a mainstay in the side. Nunez will be fighting with Jack Taylor, Jens Cajuste and Matusiwa for a spot in the starting 11 every week. However, after Ipswich’s poor start, McKenna may be looking to utilise Nunez straight away.
For Ipswich, this is a smart move. The Chilean will bring much-needed bite to the Ipswich midfield after a flat first three games. Nunez could be just what the Tractor Boys need to get their season back on track.