£30k-a-week Ipswich Town star tipped for Portman Road exit– It’s the “elephant in the room”

    £30k-a-week Ipswich Town star tipped for Portman Road exit– It’s the “elephant in the room”

    £30k-a-week Ipswich Town star tipped for Portman Road exit– It’s the “elephant in the room”

    Ipswich Town’s resurgence and Ben Johnson’s uncertain future

    After a difficult start to life back in the Championship, Ipswich Town appear to have finally found their footing. The Tractor Boys went winless in their first four league fixtures following relegation from the Premier League, but a strong recent run has lifted spirits at Portman Road.

    Kieran McKenna’s side have won three of their last four matches, including a memorable 3-1 victory over Norwich City last weekend — their first triumph in the East Anglian derby in 16 years.

    This surge in form has moved Ipswich to the edge of the play-off places, collecting 13 points from their opening eight games. They also hold a game in hand over most of their promotion rivals, with a rearranged clash against Blackburn Rovers still to come.

    Attention is now beginning to shift towards the January transfer window, where Ipswich are expected to strengthen further in hopes of securing an immediate return to the Premier League. However, alongside potential arrivals, some senior players could also depart in search of regular football.

    Ben Johnson tipped for January exit

    According to Football League World’s Ipswich Town fan pundit Adam Wilkin, defender Ben Johnson is one of the players likely to move on in January. The 25-year-old, who joined from West Ham United, has struggled for minutes this season due to fierce competition in the full-back positions.

    Wilkin explained:

    “The big talking point right now is Ben Johnson. He came in from the Premier League on decent wages and offers versatility, but he’s not been getting any opportunities — not even off the bench.

    At right-back, he’s behind Darnell Furlong and Ashley Young, while at left-back, Leif Davis is firmly first choice.

    We probably hoped to move him on in the summer, but no suitable bids arrived. Given the situation, it makes sense to try again in January — free up some wages and perhaps bring in a transfer fee. Fulham were reportedly interested a few months ago for around a couple of million, which would be a fair deal.”

    Time for Johnson to seek a move

    For Johnson, the next few months could be frustrating. Having started the first two games of the season, he has since slipped down the pecking order and looks unlikely to force his way back into McKenna’s plans.

    While capable of covering both full-back positions, Johnson faces stiff competition. Furlong is firmly established on the right, while the experienced Young provides backup. On the left, Davis’s consistency makes displacement improbable.

    At 25, Johnson needs regular football, and a move — permanent or on loan — could reignite his career.

    With reports suggesting he earns around £30,000 per week, Ipswich may also be keen to reduce their wage bill and reinvest those funds in January reinforcements.

    All signs point towards a January exit being the best outcome for both player and club, as Ipswich look to maintain momentum in their promotion push.

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