Gary O’Neil expects Sammie Szmodics to leave Ipswich in coming days

Ipswich Town manager Gary O'Neil has revealed he expects Sammie Szmodics to leave the club in the coming days as Derby County continue discussions over a permanent transfer for the Republic of Ireland international.

Szmodics spent the second half of last season on loan at Pride Park under John Eustace, who is keen to reunite with the forward after previously managing him at Blackburn Rovers. Derby are now pushing to make the move permanent, with negotiations continuing between the two clubs.

The 30-year-old has yet to feature during Ipswich's pre-season campaign after struggling with a minor knee problem.

Speaking after Ipswich's latest pre-season fixture, O'Neil suggested a transfer is edging closer while praising the forward's contribution to the club.

"I can see something happening with Szmods," O'Neil said.

"He's been a fantastic servant for the club, top guy, but there's a few bits going on. Szmods has had a bit of a sore knee, but I can see in the next few days that potentially Szmods will move."

Ipswich signed Szmodics for around £9 million in the summer of 2024, but he now appears set to leave Portman Road after just two seasons.

Derby have maintained their interest following Szmodics' successful loan spell last season and are understood to be negotiating a deal worth an initial £2 million, potentially rising to £4 million through add-ons.

Although other Championship clubs are monitoring the situation, reports linking Birmingham City with a move have been dismissed.

A reunion with Eustace currently appears to be the most likely outcome should Ipswich sanction the transfer.

O'Neil admitted his squad is currently carrying more players than required following six summer arrivals, with further signings still expected before the transfer window closes.

The Ipswich boss acknowledged the imbalance within the group but insisted every player continues to train together and remains fully involved despite uncertainty over several futures.

He also confirmed that more departures are expected as the club continues reshaping its squad for life in the Premier League.

O'Neil stressed that strengthening the squad remains the priority, explaining that Ipswich must be "really aggressive" in improving the quality available if they are to compete successfully in the top flight. His comments suggest the club's transfer activity is far from finished, with both incomings and outgoings likely before the new season begins.

Talks between Ipswich and Derby are expected to continue over the coming days as both clubs work towards an agreement. O'Neil has also indicated further transfers are likely before the window closes, with Ipswich continuing to balance the squad while targeting additional reinforcements for the Premier League season.