Exclusive: Sky pundit reacts as Ipswich Town look to sign "versatile" ex-Leeds United regular | OneFootball

Lee Hendrie has spoken exclusively to FLW about Ipswich’s interest in Glen Kamara.

Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie believes midfield additions should be the priority for Ipswich Town as they target a move for ex-Leeds United man Glen Kamara during the upcoming January transfer window.

After a slow start upon their return to the Championship, Ipswich are now showing signs of picking up the pace and getting themselves into the promotion conversation.

The Tractor Boys were winless from their opening four Championship outings as they struggled to adapt following their relegation from the Premier League, but it now appears the hangover has cleared after a showing of excellent form before October's international break.

Kieran McKenna’s men are now on an upwards trajectory, with this recent run including ending a 16-year wait for victory in the East Anglian derby after beating Norwich City 3-1 at Portman Road.

Over the coming months, attention will turn to the January transfer window, with Ipswich believing that a few more additions could be the difference in making it back to the big time at the first time of asking.

And they’ve already been linked with bolstering the midfield department, with a report by FootMercato revealing that Ipswich are considering making a move for former Leeds United and current Stade Rennais man Glen Kamara at the turn of 2026.

The Suffolk-based outfit are said to be rivaling Leicester City and Nice for his signature. The 29-year-old previously helped Leeds United reach the play-off final, featuring 37 times in the second tier during the 2023-24 term.

The 70-cap Finland midfielder has struggled for regular minutes in France, making 13 league appearances, all of which came in the first half of the previous campaign.

It is understood that Kamara is available, with an asking price of €3 million (£2.6 million) set by the French club.

With this in mind, ex-Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie has weighed in with his thoughts over whether it’s the right deal for the Tractor Boys to pursue.

Lee Hendrie backs Ipswich Town to bolster midfield line with Glen Kamara

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie has said the midfield department is a key area Ipswich Town need to strengthen if they are to challenge for promotion, with Glen Kamara’s versatility a big asset if he was to be lured over to Portman Road.

Hendrie said: “I think it’s not a bad thing having more players, particularly in that area, when you do feel there’s a massive call on midfielders to really dictate and be that central point.

“That’s one thing about Ipswich this season that I don’t think has been quite where it should have been is the midfield area just yet.

"I’m not saying that it can’t turn as it can quite quickly, but with Kamara, he can play a more defensive role at times, so he’s quite versatile in the fact he can drop back in and play in different formations.

“I think having more midfielders isn’t a bad thing and that’s why there’s still links there.”

Glen Kamara must seek January exit

For Glen Kamara, it’s been a dismal last couple of seasons since he departed Leeds United, featuring 13 times in Ligue 1 for Stade Rennais before being loaned out to Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Shabab for the second portion of last season.

Returning to France, he clearly isn’t favoured under boss Habib Beye and should be considering a return to the Championship after having such a massive impact at Elland Road in his debut second-tier campaign.

His previous exploits in the Championship would mean he would be a terrific asset to any midfield in the division, and Ipswich could be a prime destination given they’re still slightly weak in that area.

You can’t have enough options during the relentless barrage of games faced in this division, and £2.6m for a player who previously settled into the second-tier with ease could be a steal at the turn of the year.

It will be intriguing to see who comes out on top in this battle, but you have to feel Kamara will be tempted by a move back to England given his previous success here.