Václav Hladký, Ipswich Town’s first-choice goalkeeper, is eager to extend his contract following an exceptional, albeit somewhat unusual, season in net.
Due to his contract expiring in the summer, Hladkí covered for Christian Walton during his first two seasons with the team. However, he took over when Walton injured his foot during the preseason, and Ipswich began their first Championship run since 2019.
The 33-year-old hasn’t turned around, and his skill with the ball has been essential to Ipswich’s improbable push for consecutive promotions.
Alan Nixon claims that he will soon receive an offer for a new, long-term contract through his Patreon.
This season, Hladký has started every league minute for Ipswich, keeping 14 clean sheets while also leaving former top scorer Walton in the dust.
After helping Ipswich win the Championship the previous season, Walton will be disappointed not to have contributed to the team’s historic season. It is likely that the English custodian will try to move on this summer.
Walton’s contract expires in June, but the Ipswich possess a one-year option that they should exercise to boost the keeper’s summertime market worth.
In his final season of League One play, the 28-year-old kept 23 clean sheets. He still has a lot to offer and will not be short of suitors should Ipswich decide to sell. He is coming up on the peak of his career.
Hladký has Premier League ambitions
Hladký is one of Kieran McKenna’s squad’s more experienced alternatives at 33 years old.
The Czech keeper is nevertheless having a great time in his first full season as a starter for the Tractor Boys, though it’s unknown how exactly he’ll adjust should Ipswich get promoted to the Premier League.
Hladký, however, is eager to sign a new deal and realise a longtime dream of playing in the top flight—even if it means filling in for a new keeper—because Premier League football holds so much promise.
Hladký is a reliable member of McKenna’s squad, and he may even solidify his position as the Premier League’s top goalkeeper the next season, but after such a successful campaign, Ipswich will want to lock down the seasoned stopper.
| Václav Hladký 23/24 stats as per Transfermarkt | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Competition | Appearances | Goals Conceded | Clean Sheets |
| Championship | 43 | 14 | 53 |
| EFL Cup | 1 | 2 | 0 |
Walton won’t be short of suitors this summer
Following his League One average of keeping a clean sheet every other game for the Islanders, it was anticipated that Walton would be just as important this season.
But injuries kept that from happening, and with Hladkþ looking at ease with the ball at his feet, Walton doesn’t seem set to take the top spot back.
Walton has a solid reputation in the football league thanks to his championship experience with his former team, Wigan Athletic, as well as his impressive displays from the previous season and his intriguing loan with Blackburn Rovers. Should Ipswich exercise his one-year option in his contract, Walton will command a fair fee.
Luton Town expressed interest in Walton last summer, and because the Hatters may be headed back to the Championship, they may make another move for the goalie.
Hladký has also drawn interest; Celtic is said to be interested in the goalkeeper. Ipswich must act quickly to decide on both players or risk losing them both for nothing in the summer.
It makes perfect sense that the Tractor Boys will offer Hladký a new contract, but it would be prudent to void Walton’s extension and try to trade him in the next window.
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