Ben Johnson of West Ham has been linked to Ipswich Town, which might spell the end for Axel Tuanzebe.
Ipswich Town will probably be aware that in order to guarantee their spot in the Premier League for the following season, they must win their final three games.
The Tractor Boys have had an incredible season in 2023–2024; after all, they were only promoted to the Championship the previous season.
However, Kieran McKenna’s team has produced some outstanding football throughout the season, which has contributed to their point total.
It goes without saying that the club will operate in a different division this summer if they are promoted rather than if they stay in the Championship.
This is already evident, as the team is strongly linked to a move for Ben Johnson, a defender for West Ham United.
It’s thought that the Tractor Boys have now joined the list of people who admire Johnson, in addition to a few members of the Championship.
Ipswich Town enters the Ben Johnson transfer race
Ben Johnson of West Ham was being pursued by Leeds United, as Daniel Farke was eager to bolster his full-back corps. This was first reported back in January. That was done by the club, but Connor Roberts was added in the process.
However, Southampton, who was also considering a move and was keen on the player, joined Leeds in the same month.
The Daily Mirror (21/4 paper edition; page 71) reports that although they are still interested in the player, Ipswich Town is now posing a threat.
According to the report, the Tractor Boys are keeping a watch on Johnson because his contract with the Premier League team expires at the end of this season, and he will be free to sign elsewhere if a new agreement cannot be reached.
Since no deal has been finalised, this is obviously just talk at this time. However, if Suffolk were to win the competition for the full-back position, it might be the end for Town’s current player Axel Tuanzebe, who has seen a lot of action there this season.
The possible signing of Ben Johnson by Ipswich could mean the end for Axel Tuanzebe.
Axel Tuanzebe, a defender who left Manchester United and was still a free agent in September after failing to find a new club, was signed by Ipswich Town.
This is undoubtedly the result of Kieran McKenna’s collaboration with Tuanzebe at Old Trafford; the Ipswich manager is aware of Tuanzebe’s potential contributions.
The 26-year-old has experience playing in the Championship having spent two different loan stints at Aston Villa, where he helped the team advance to the play-offs.
Although Tuanzebe played in the first team for over 30 games, his tenure at Old Trafford wasn’t as fruitful as it could have been because he never really built up a resume of games played.
It was therefore unclear where he would go when it was revealed that he would be leaving Man United. However, McKenna made the decision to take a chance and give the defender a chance to play while they pursue consecutive promotions.
Despite not playing much for the team, Tuanzebe has contributed significantly—he has played in the Championship on 15 occasions thus far. Considering that he didn’t play for the team in the league until the beginning of November, that isn’t too bad.
| Axel Tuanzebe’s 2023/24 Championship stats for Ipswich Town | |
|---|---|
| Matches played | 15 |
| Minutes per game | 74 |
| Clean sheets | 3 |
| Interceptions per game | 1.5 |
| Tackles per game | 1.5 |
| Clearances per game | 1.9 |
| Passing accuracy | 43.2 (87%) |
| Assists | 1 |
| Big chances created | 1 |
| Average rating | 6.94 |
| Stats as per Sofascore.com | |
Tuanzebe is a center-back by trade, so it may surprise you to learn that he has mostly played right-back, a position he did play for Manchester United. Since then, the defender has started 13 of the 15 games in which he has appeared.
Since joining the team, Tuanzebe has performed mediocrely. Compared to his xAG of 0.58, he has produced one big opportunity for his teammates, averaged 0.2 crucial passes, and collected one assist.
Additionally, according to Sofascore.com, the 26-year-old has averaged 1.5 interceptions, 1.5 tackles and an amazing 5.4 ball recoveries. These stats have helped him contribute to a defence that has kept three clean sheets while he has been on the pitch.
Although the defender hasn’t been particularly good this season, his consistent ability to perform when needed has won him over many supporters. Tuanzebe has truly flourished in the right-back and center-back positions he has played in, as seen in the tweet below. Although his contract expires this season, the club has the option to extend it, which many will hope they do.
Just thinking about how crucial Axel Tuanzebe has been during our recent run of form. He’s perfect for the hybrid RB/RCB role. He’s so defensively solid, calm in possession and attacking qualities have improved significantly recently. Another brilliant bit of business. #itfc — Harvey Davies (@HDavies1804) March 31, 2024
On the other hand, Tuanzebe might end up losing out if the rumours are accurate and Ipswich looks to pursue a deal for Ben Johnson.
This is due to the fact that the Tractor Boys could easily decide not to exercise the player’s contract option because, as previously mentioned, it expires at the end of this season. Although Harry Clarke is the current right-back for Ipswich, you would assume that one of them could be allowed to go to make room for someone like Johnson, given the competition between Clarke and Tuanzebe.
Tony Pulis has talked about whether Ipswich Town is the greatest promoted team in the history of the Championship.
Although some supporters might prefer that the team keep the former Manchester United player rather than acquire Johnson, Tuanzebe appears to have performed admirably in the few games he has played. This move could be viewed as an improvement from the club and manager. However, Tuanzebe’s time at Portman Road may come to an end if the West Ham player does show up.
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