Ipswich Town’s best signings in recent years: from Leif Davis to Liam Delap

Ipswich Town’s journey over the past few years has been remarkable, especially considering the challenges the club faced. While their current form might not be ideal, the Tractor Boys have experienced an incredible resurgence under manager Kieran McKenna, making their way from League One to the Premier League for the first time in over two decades. There's still a slight chance that the club could stay in the Premier League next season, which would be a testament to their progress.

The club’s management, particularly the board, has heavily backed McKenna in the transfer market, and while he’s bolstered his squad in recent windows, the manager has also relied on key players who helped Ipswich secure promotion from the third tier. Among these players is Leif Davis, who continues to be a crucial part of the team.

Leif Davis: A £1m Masterstroke

When Ipswich signed Leif Davis from Leeds United in the summer of 2022 for just £1m, it quickly proved to be one of the club's best-ever acquisitions. Despite coming from a lower league, Davis impressed in his debut season with Ipswich, making 46 appearances across all competitions and playing primarily as a left-back. In that season, Davis managed to score three goals and provide 14 assists, a performance that earned him a spot in the PFA Team of the Year and played a major role in Ipswich's promotion to the Championship.

The following season was even better. Davis made 44 appearances at left-back, contributing two goals and a whopping 21 assists. He was also nominated for the PFA Championship Player of the Year award and won the club's Men’s Players' Player of the Year. His performances in the Championship cemented his reputation as one of the most exciting full-backs in the league.

Leif Davis in the Premier League

While this season has been slightly tougher for Davis in the Premier League, his solid performances continue. In 28 games, he has contributed one goal and three assists. Despite the step up in competition, his previous form has boosted his value, which is now around €25m (approximately £21m), according to Transfermarkt. Davis' rise from a £1m signing to one of Ipswich's most valuable players highlights just how shrewd the club's recruitment has been in recent years.

Liam Delap: Ipswich's Big Summer Signing

While Davis is undoubtedly one of Ipswich’s best recent signings, it’s impossible to overlook the importance of Liam Delap, another key summer acquisition. In the summer of 2023, Ipswich secured the services of the talented English forward from Manchester City for around £20m, a move that generated significant excitement. Many had questions about how Delap would fare in the Premier League, but the 22-year-old striker has quickly proven his worth.

Delap has had an impressive return, scoring 10 goals and providing two assists in just 28 league appearances. That’s an average of a goal involvement every 2.33 games, or roughly every 183 minutes, despite playing for a team that is likely to face relegation. His contributions have been more than just goals; Delap's ability to hold up the ball, create space for his teammates, and occupy defenders has made him a valuable asset in Ipswich's attack.

The Future of Liam Delap

If Ipswich does face relegation at the end of the season, Delap’s future could go one of two ways. He could remain with the club and help them bounce back into the Premier League, or a significant transfer fee could be generated if he decides to move on. Some reports have even suggested that Delap could be worth as much as £40m, a potential windfall for Ipswich that could aid them in their future endeavors.

Conclusion: Ipswich's Smart Investments

From Leif Davis to Liam Delap, Ipswich Town has made some fantastic signings over the last few years, each contributing significantly to the club's rise. While this season may not have gone entirely to plan, the recruitment decisions made by McKenna and the club’s board have helped lay the foundation for a bright future, whether in the Premier League or Championship.

Which of Ipswich's recent signings do you think has had the biggest impact on their Premier League journey — Leif Davis or Liam Delap?