Ipswich midfielder Marcelino Núñez linked with Trabzonspor return as January exit emerges

Ipswich Town midfielder Marcelino Núñez could be offered a route out of Portman Road in January, with Turkish club Trabzonspor reportedly considering another attempt to sign the Chile international.

The 26-year-old has struggled for first-team opportunities under Gary O'Neil despite playing an important role in Ipswich's promotion to the Premier League last season.

According to Chilean outlet Emol, Trabzonspor have renewed their interest in Núñez and could explore a winter transfer, with his recent omission from Chile's national squad adding to a difficult period.

Núñez joined Ipswich from East Anglian rivals Norwich City in August 2025 and helped the Tractor Boys secure promotion from the Championship.

He contributed three goals and nine assists in 36 league appearances as Ipswich finished second and earned automatic promotion.

The midfielder initially appeared to have a place in O'Neil's Premier League plans, featuring against Sunderland and Manchester United.

He also scored twice in a 3-1 EFL Cup victory over Leicester City.

However, his involvement has since declined sharply.

Núñez has not played in the Premier League since 30 August, while his last senior appearance came against Arsenal in the League Cup on 15 September.

He has accumulated just 142 minutes in the league this season and has remained an unused substitute on several occasions.

Despite his lack of opportunities, Núñez has continued trying to maintain his fitness.

According to Emol, O'Neil revealed that the midfielder had asked to play for Ipswich's Under-21 side against Anderlecht to gain match practice.

That willingness to feature at youth level underlines his determination to remain ready for a first-team opportunity.

Trabzonspor have previously attempted to sign Núñez and could return when the winter transfer window opens.

According to Emol, the Turkish club pursued the Chilean in both 2024 and 2025, before he completed his move from Norwich to Ipswich.

The report suggests Trabzonspor have been in discussions with the midfielder over a possible transfer.

However, there is no confirmation that Ipswich have received a formal January offer or agreed to let him leave.

Núñez signed a four-year contract when he joined Ipswich in August 2025, leaving the Premier League club in a position to negotiate any proposed departure.

A move could provide the midfielder with more regular football, although Trabzonspor would still need to reach an agreement with Ipswich.

Núñez has also been left out of Chile's squad for November's two friendlies against Colombia.

The midfielder previously departed an international camp on 30 September following Chile's defeat to the United States.

Chile's football federation announced that he had been released for personal reasons.

Reports subsequently suggested tensions surrounding his absence from the starting XI, but national team manager Nicolás Córdova denied having dismissed the player or argued with him.

Córdova maintained that Núñez had made the decision to leave the camp himself.

The midfielder's latest omission has intensified scrutiny of his situation, although no official disciplinary reason has been confirmed.

Chile face Colombia in Cali on 13 November before hosting them in Santiago on 17 November.

Núñez will aim to regain a place in O'Neil's first-team plans before the January transfer window.

If his situation remains unchanged, Trabzonspor could explore another move, although any deal would require negotiations with Ipswich and there is currently no confirmed offer.