The truth behind Sammie Szmodics’ Ipswich Town exit to Derby County revealed by Kieran McKenna | OneFootball

Kieran McKenna has spoken for the first time since Sammie Szmodics joined Derby County from Ipswich Town on deadline day.

Kieran McKenna has issued his first words on Sammie Szmodics' deadline day move to Derby County from Ipswich Town, as the Tractor Boys prepare for a trip to Pride Park on Saturday afternoon.

The versatile forward had originally been the subject of significant interest from the Rams, as well as Wrexham, but a £6m asking fee was put on the 30-year-old, and it looked as though a deal was dead in the water.

Nevertheless, John Eustace's side were able to bring Szmodics to the club on a loan deal in the final moments of the January transfer window and while he will not be able to feature this weekend against his parent club, he will be raring to go next week.

Now, McKenna has spoken for the first time since the deal was completed, and he has also explained where the Republic of Ireland international's future may lie at Ipswich.

Kieran McKenna speaks out on Sammie Szmodics' move to Derby County

Szmodics only joined the Tractor Boys in August 2024, but his £9m move from Blackburn Rovers has not gone to plan, and with injuries causing issues, he has not been able to find a rhythm in Suffolk.

With Ipswich set to face Derby this weekend, McKenna was asked if the player has a future at Portman Road. He said (via: EADT): "We'll see what the summer brings."

He went on to explain why Szmodics was allowed to move to another play-off chasing club: "It's clear from a football perspective where Sammie's at and how he's done.

"He had a really positive first half of the season with us in the Premier League, scored some big goals and was on four goals by Christmas. He showed his strengths, and we really missed him in the second half of the season.

"He had two big injuries in the calendar year of 2025, both with complicated recoveries that have held him back a little bit. So there are obvious football things there.

"But in the end, it wasn't a football decision, it wasn't related to his football performance. It was a decision that was made in the best interests of our group dynamic, of our dressing room culture, of the values of our dressing room and of our team."

McKenna continued: "In those respects, the decision was made that it was best that Sammie wouldn't be with us for the rest of the season. Of course, there was a possibility of that being on a permanent transfer, but when there wasn't a suitable offer, it was still considered that it was best for him not to be here this season. That's all I'm going to say on it really.

"It's difficult for supporters when you can't always give them the full picture. He's gone on loan to a team that's going well and I understand the perception of that.

"But in the end, it's those of us in the top end of the club and my responsibility to do what I think is right for the football club. I've done that since I've been here, and I'll continue to do that and that was the basis of this decision."

Sammie Szmodics' career at Ipswich Town looks to be all but over based on Kieran McKenna's words

While he will always have that opportunity to impress those at Portman Road, it seems that for now, Szmodics will be looking for a new club this summer - especially if Ipswich win promotion to the Premier League.

The former Blackburn star's connection with John Eustace is clear to see, and this loan move could prove to be the best decision that he made if he starts to show the form that he was in during his time at Ewood Park.

Szmodics only wanted Derby, and it could be the right place at the right time for a player who is lacking a little bit of confidence, especially with his former Blackburn club-mates Lewis Travis and Ben Brereton Diaz there - the former who is his self-proclaimed best friend on football, which could be a big help.

McKenna's interview was eye-opening, with non-footballing reasons given for his departure, and if those issues last into the summer, then maybe this could be the beginning of a drawn goodbye to Ipswich.