“Massive” – Ipswich Town told to take action over player out of contract in June

Axel Tuanzebe has made his way into Kieran McKenna’s first-team plans at Ipswich Town in recent weeks.

In recent months, the defender has proven to be a valuable member of the squad’s defensive unit.

The 26-year-old has played right-back in several recent games, contributing significantly to the club’s promotion campaign.

Tuanzebe joined the Tractor Boys as a free agent last summer, signing a one-year contract with the option to extend it for another year.

Given his recent results, questions have been raised over whether that clause will be triggered by Suffolk.

Tuanzebe’s growing importance to Ipswich Town

FLW’s Ipswich fan pundit Henry believes that the 12-month extension option should be triggered by the current Championship leaders.

He has praised the club for their work in getting Tuanzebe back up to full fitness and believes that he is a natural fit at both right-back and centre-back, which makes him a valuable asset to the squad.

“Tuanzebe is starting at right-back in recent weeks, I think they should definitely trigger his extension,” Henry told Football League World.

“I think his ability to play right-back or centre-back is massive. Also as part of a back-three, he’d be really great as that right centre-back

.

“He’s terrific at tucking in, especially when Davis drives ahead.

“I believe they will trigger it, and his value is increasing as he plays more games, especially since we signed him in the hopes that he would regain his fitness, which he appears to have done under McKenna.

“Similar to other players we’ve had, such as Massimo Luongo, who came in having been injured for long periods of time, the medical staff and McKenna brought them back up to match fitness in a relatively short period of time and have been able to rotate them around to ensure they don’t get overplayed, which is great.

“So I think the contract will be extended.”

Axel Tuanzebe’s part in Ipswich Town’s promotion campaign

Tuanzebe has previously worked with McKenna at Manchester United as a coach.

The defender progressed through Old Trafford’s academy system, but a series of injuries limited his chances of breaking into the first-team squad, despite displaying flashes of promise.

But he is now finding his feet at Portman Road and could play a key role in the club’s bid for promotion to the Premier League.

Ipswich lead the Championship table with six games to go but the gap to third is just two points.

Tuanzebe gamble starting to pay off

Tuanzebe’s loan experience at Stoke City last year, as well as his multiple injury difficulties, made him a risky signing.

However, Ipswich’s patience has paid off, as he is currently settling in well with McKenna’s side.

Tuanzebe had a lot of promise when he was rising up through the ranks at Manchester United, but he wasn’t able to show it off enough due to his fitness.

Now he’s finally proving his worth at this level, and the prize could be helping Ipswich win promotion to the Premier League, which would be an incredible accomplishment.

If he continues to perform, Ipswich may seek to offer him a new contract rather than simply triggering the extension.

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