‘ future at PorFLW’s Ipswich Town fan pundit discussed Marcus Harnesstman Road
“£1m-£2m” – Ipswich Town urged
Ipswich Town is currently leading the Championship with only three games remaining.
However, nothing has been done yet, and it is unclear which level they will play in next season, but if the club is promoted, they will most likely need to recruit to develop a competitive squad.
| Championship Table – 18/04/2024 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Position | Club | P | GD | Pts |
| 1. | Ipswich Town | 43 | 32 | 89 |
| 2. | Leicester City | 42 | 41 | 88 |
| 3. | Leeds United | 43 | 42 | 87 |
| 4. | Southampton | 42 | 30 | 84 |
| 5. | West Brom | 43 | 24 | 72 |
| 6. | Norwich City | 43 | 16 | 71 |
This suggests that marginal players will most likely be moved on, as many of these players joined the club when they were in League One, indicating a significant step-up in quality between the divisions.
Marcus Harness, who joined Portman Road from Portsmouth in 2022, helped the club achieve promotion last year.
However, with only one year remaining on his contract, Ipswich may try to sell this summer.
Ipswich Town fan pundit discusses Marcus Harness’ future at the club
Despite being a crucial part in the team’s promotion-winning campaign last season, Harness has primarily played from the bench this season, and the club may try to sell him this summer.
Henry, an Ipswich Town fan, believes Kieran McKenna should consider selling him regardless of the club’s level next season.
Henry told FLW: “Marcus Harness, I think even if we don’t get promoted this year, I’d be happy to sell him to a lower Championship or a top League One side.”
“He definitely had a significant influence against Birmingham, but he doesn’t exactly fit what Ipswich are trying to do.
“If we are further up the competition or in the Championship next season, I just don’t think he’s good enough, and I believe there are better wide players who offer something different than Harness does.
“I don’t underestimate his significance; he played practically every game last year and has appeared frequently this season, but our substitutes must step up and make a difference.
“You look at Sarmiento, who’s come on and really made an impact and his quality shows, whereas Harness takes a little bit longer to get into the game, and as a substitute you just don’t have that luxury.”
If the team sells Harness this summer, Henry feels they might collect a seven-figure fee, exceeding the rumoured £600,000 the Tractor Boys spent for him last season.
Simon Grayson expects the Championship’s race for automatic promotion to last until the end of the season.
“I can see us getting around £1m-£2m, because he did have a very successful League One season with us, particularly when he first arrived, and he was integral to how we played,” he added.
“He scored a lot of goals, and the goal against Burton is probably the one that stands out to me as well as the one against Portsmouth, but I think it’s time to move on.”
“I believe there are better options and players available. When you compare West Brom with someone like Grady Diangana, I believe they are worlds apart from Harness, so it will be interesting to see what happens during the summer.”
It makes sense for Ipswich Town to cash in on Marcus Harness
With a year remaining on his contract at Portman Road, it makes sense for Ipswich Town to let Harness go and bring in some cash for the winger.
Despite 34 Championship appearances this season, the former Republic of Ireland U21 international has only made seven starts. This is expected to reduce next season as Ipswich strengthen and improve their squad, regardless of tier they play in.
At 28, Harness will want regular starts, which he won’t get at Portman Road, so a move could be the best option for all sides.
The winger was a key member in Ipswich’s League One promotion campaign, and he’s been a crucial squad player this season, but the summer appears to be a good time to leave the club.
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