Exclusive: Don Goodman left shocked at Ipswich Town news involving Sam Morsy | OneFootball

The 33-year-old has been instrumental in their recent success

Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman has expressed his confusion at the rumours linking Ipswich Town captain Sam Morsy with a move away from Portman Road this summer.

The 33-year-old has missed just 11 league games across the last three seasons, proving to be an important cog in the Kieran McKenna machine not only during their meteoric rise to the Premier League but also for their brief time in the top flight.

Nevertheless, it seems that Ipswich are looking to overhaul their squad significantly ahead of their return to the Championship, and Morsy could become a victim of that.

TeamTalk reported that, despite Morsy still having a year left on his current deal, he could be let go for free, with sides in the Middle East interested in the Egyptian.

And, in an exclusive interview with Football League World, former West Brom and Wolves striker Don Goodman feels this would be a "huge surprise."

Don Goodman gives his verdict on Sam Morsy's Ipswich Town departure rumours

Last season was a difficult one for Ipswich Town. After picking up 90 points in both their League One and Championship promotion campaigns, a side who were used to winning were reduced to just four victories in their first season in the top flight since 2002.

Don Goodman acknowledged this, but he believes that their current captain being a part of a squad overhaul has caught a few people off guard, given his importance in the club's recent triumphs.

"I think, like all Ipswich players, with the exception of Liam Delap, Sam Morsy probably found the Premier League a tough experience, but it was no surprise really, as it was always going to be a difficult season for Ipswich Town," he said.

"But what would be a surprise would be if Ipswich were to offload their inspirational captain.

"Morsy played most of the games [in the Premier League] for them, most of the games in that incredible Championship promotion campaign, and he's one of the few modern-day genuine leaders that you see in football.

"So it would be a huge surprise for me if Ipswich were prepared to allow Sam Morsy to leave."

Sam Morsy's leadership will be tough to replace

As Goodman said, Sam Morsy can be regarded as one of the best leaders in football today, having been entrusted with the captain's armband for the better part of a decade, since his days at Chesterfield.

And his leadership excellence has been recognised since he walked through the door at Portman Road, too, captaining the club on his Ipswich league debut in their 6-0 rout of Doncaster Rovers all the way to his Premier League debut against Liverpool.

Morsy was one of the premier defensive midfielders in the Championship during the 2023/24 season, winning the most tackles and making the most recoveries out of anyone in his position that campaign, and there's no doubt he'd be able to resume those numbers next season.

However, with the Egyptian turning 34 in September, perhaps Ipswich have an eye on the future. If Morsy does leave, replacing his undoubtedly valuable qualities in the midfield will be a tall task.