Why Sammie Szmodics could ‘definitely’ stay at Ipswich Town - But ‘permanent’ Derby County switch not ruled out | OneFootball

FLW's Tractor Boys Fan Pundit has revealed whether Town should keep, sell or loan Sammie Szmodics amid Pride Park interest

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

An Ipswich Town verdict has been made on whether Kieran McKenna’s side should keep, sell or loan Sammie Szmodics amid apparent interest from Derby County.

This comes after The East Anglian Daily Times reported that the Rams - managed by Szmodics’ former Blackburn Rovers boss John Eustace - would be among the leading suitors if the 30-year-old is made available in the January transfer window.

FLW's own Derby Fan Pundit, Shaun Woodward, has already backed a move for the former Rovers star - while FLW's Ipswich fan pundit Adam Wilkin has now given his view from a Tractorboys perspective, which is different after their FA Cup win over Blackpool.

Why Sammie Szmodics could "definitely" stay at Ipswich Town this transfer window

The timing of this transfer debate is no coincidence. Szmodics has had a stop-start Championship campaign at Portman Road, with knee surgery and illness disrupting his rhythm before a recent return to the squad for the FA Cup third round tie against Blackpool.

He was back on the bench and came on in an unfamiliar left-sided role in that win, suggesting to Wilkin that his place in McKenna’s attacking system has changed - after originally battling it out with Chuba Akpom for the ‘number ten’ role.

Wilkin also made it clear that what Town do in the remainder of the January window will be crucial in deciding Szmodics’ fate.

"It was interesting that Szmodics was back on the bench for the FA Cup game, he ended up coming on down the left-hand side," the Fan Pundit told FLW.

On the potential transfer to Derby, Wilkin added, "I think a lot of it will depend on who we get in in the January window. It feels like the number ten role in McKenna’s system has changed since the start of the season - it was more of a second striker and Szmodics and Akpom were the two earmarks to play in that.

"That’s changed with injuries and other bits and Marcelino Nunez has really nailed that down as more of a creative, ball-playing ten who can drop deep into midfield, so I'm wondering if we target that."

Perhaps everyone knows that Szmodics arrived at Portman Road for fairly big money, around £9m plus add-ons, but came with a formidable Championship reputation after scoring 33-goals across all competitons in 23/24.

Yet he has yet to score in 15 appearances for Ipswich this term across league and cup, despite being given more than enough chances centrally - yet Wilkin thinks he could stay if content with playing out wide.

"If we make no new signings, I can definitely see Szmodics staying and playing as competition for Jaden Philogene on the left now, potentially.

"But, I think if another number ten does come in and no one moves out, given his age profile he’s probably one that could be looked to move on," Wilkin continued.

Ipswich Town should only listen to "permanent" offers for Sammie Szmodics if they decide to sell

From what Wilkin has already said, moving Szmodics on only becomes the logical next step if Ipswich land another number ten on top of Nunez. If the club does decide to let the forward go, the Fan Pundit thinks it should be for good.

Wilkin concluded by saying, "If he [Szmodics] is to go I think it should be permanent, but a loan with a view to a permanent could also be an option there.

"Because otherwise we’re just going to end up with such a bloated squad that we need to get rid of next season."

As per Capology estimates, the Suffolk-based outfit is spending approximately £569k-a-week on first-team wages - the estimated third-highest in the Championship.

So the club’s squad cost is obviously substantial and there are several big-money signings, including Szmodics, who will need to either nail down starting roles or be moved on over the next two windows if the club is to keep improving without stretching its wage bill.

In that context, a 30-year-old attacker on a long contract, behind Nunez in attacking midfield and Philogene on the left, is someone for serious consideration if offers arrive.

A permanent fee would probably prove difficult mid-season for the likes of Derby and anyone else who might be interested, so a loan with a view to a permanent deal, exactly as Wilkin suggests, would give both clubs some protection.