Ipswich Town defender linked with overseas transfer switch as contract expiry date looms
Trabzonspor are interested in defender Axel Tuanzebe, who is currently weighing up an offer to stay with Ipswich Town.
The former Man Utd man joined the Tractor Boys in 2023, and he has gone on to make 44 appearances for the club, which included helping Ipswich to promotion, whilst he featured in 22 Premier League games as Kieran McKenna’s side were relegated last season.
With his contract at Portman Road expiring, there are doubts over Tuanzebe’s future, although Ipswich have offered him fresh terms.
Trabzonspor interested in Ipswich Town’s Axel Tuanzebe
However, with no deal signed, Tuanzebe is free to discuss a move to another club, and reports from Turkish media outlet Fanatik have claimed that he is on Trabzonspor’s radar.
They state that head coach Fatih Tekke has identified Tuanzebe as someone who he wants to improve the team ahead of his first full season in charge of the Turkish outfit.
So, the 27-year-old could have a big decision to make about his future, with his Ipswich contract set to officially expire at the end of the month.
Axel Tuanzebe could be a key player for Ipswich Town in the Championship
It’s no surprise that there are clubs looking at Tuanzebe, as he is a good, strong defender, who has proven himself to be capable as a centre-back and at right-back.
Therefore, to get a player like that on a free transfer is smart business, so if Tuanzebe does leave Ipswich, he will be a smart signing for whichever club picks him up.
But, you would imagine that Ipswich will be pushing to get him to agree to a new contract to remain in Suffolk, as Tuanzebe could be a key figure for McKenna next season.
We know that the manager rates him, and, providing he stays fit, Tuanzebe would be a class operator in the Championship.
With Cameron Burgess having made the surprise decision to join Swansea City on a free transfer, Ipswich are lacking depth in defence, so losing Tuanzebe will also increase the need to get reinforcements in.
Ultimately, though, due to his contract situation, Tuanzebe is in a position where he can decide his next move, so he is sure to spend the next few days and weeks assessing all his offers before announcing his choice, and all connected to Ipswich will hope he is part of their promotion push next season.
