Ipswich Town have been linked with West Ham’s Ben Johnson which could potentially mean the end for Axel Tuanzebe.
The Tractor Boys have had a fantastic 2023/24 season, especially considering they were only promoted to the Championship last season.
However, Kieran McKenna’s side has played some fantastic football this season, which has contributed to their current point total.
Obviously, if the club is promoted, they will enter the summer in a different category than they would if they remained in the Championship.
The team is reportedly interested in signing West Ham United defender Ben Johnson.
Johnson has several fans in the Championship, and the Tractor Boys are reported to have joined the list.
Ipswich Town join transfer race for Ben Johnson
In January, Leeds United expressed interest in signing West Ham’s Ben Johnson, as manager Daniel Farke sought to improve the full-back department. The team did this, but only after signing Connor Roberts.
In the same month, Leeds were joined by Southampton, who were also interested in the player and considering a transfer.
The Daily Mirror (21/4 paper edition; page 71) reports that both clubs are still interested in the player, but Ipswich Town is now a potential rival.
According to the source, Johnson is someone the Tractor Boys are keeping an eye on because his contract with the Premier League club ends at the end of this season, which means if a new agreement isn’t agreed upon, he will go on a free transfer.
If Ipswich win the race for the full-back, it may mark the end for current Town player Axel Tuanzebe, who has been heavily deployed in that part of the pitch this season. However, no deal has been progressed at the moment.
Ben Johnson’s potential arrival at Ipswich could spell the end for Axel Tuanzebe
Ipswich Town chose to sign Axel Tuanzebe in September after the defender departed Manchester United and remained a free agent after failing to find a new club.
This is understandable given that Kieran McKenna worked with Tuanzebe at Old Trafford, so the Ipswich manager is aware of what he can offer his squad.
The 26-year-old has previously played in the Championship, including two loan periods at Aston Villa, one of which saw him help the club reach the play-offs.
Tuanzebe’s tenure at Old Trafford was less successful; he did participate in over 30 first-team games, but he never truly established himself as a regular.
So when he announced his departure from Manchester United, it was unknown where he would head. But McKenna chose to take the risk and give the defender a chance to play for them as they seek back-to-back promotions.
Tuanzebe hasn’t played much for the club, but he’s had a significant impact, appearing 15 times in the Championship. That’s not too terrible considering he didn’t make his league debut with the team until the beginning of November.
| Axel Tuanzebe’s 2023/24 Championship stats for Ipswich Town | |
|---|---|
| Matches played | 15 |
| Minutes per game | 74 |
| Clean sheets | 3 |
| Interceptions per game | 1.5 |
| Tackles per game | 1.5 |
| Clearances per game | 1.9 |
| Passing accuracy | 43.2 (87%) |
| Assists | 1 |
| Big chances created | 1 |
| Average rating | 6.94 |
| Stats as per Sofascore.com | |
Since then, the defender has started 13 of the 15 games he has appeared in, and while Tuanzebe is originally a centre-back, it may surprise you to learn that he has primarily played as a right-back, a position he previously played for Manchester United.
Tuanzebe has performed reasonably well since joining the club, creating one major chance for his teammates, averaging 0.2 crucial passes, and grabbing one assist, which is higher than his xAG of 0.58.
According to Sofascore.com, the 26-year-old has averaged 1.5 interceptions, 1.5 tackles, and 5.4 ball recoveries, contributing to the defense’s three clean sheets.
The defender hasn’t been particularly impressive this season, but he has always seemed to perform his job when called upon, making him a firm fan favourite. Tuanzebe has thrived in both right-back and center-back situations. His contract expires this season, but the club has the option to extend it, which many hope they do.
If Ipswich pursues a move for Ben Johnson, Tuanzebe may miss out on the opportunity.
current is because, as previously said, the player’s contract expires at the conclusion of current season, and the Tractor Boys might simply choose not to exercise the option in his contract. While Ipswich already has Harry Clarke at right-back, it seems likely that one of Clarke or Tuanzebe will be allowed to leave to make place for Johnson.
Tony Pulis has talked about whether Ipswich Town are the finest promoted team in Championship history.
This may be viewed as an upgrade by the club and management, but it appears Tuanzebe has performed admirably in the few games he has played, and some fans may want the team to keep the ex-Manchester United player rather than sign Johnson. However, if the West Ham player does arrive, Tuanzebe’s time at Portman Road may be up.
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