“Roughly the £5 million mark”—Ipswich Town in the race to sign a QPR player
This post is a part of Football League World’s “The Verdict” series, in which FLW writers provide their own thoughts on the newest breaking news, teams, players, managers, possible signings, and other topics.
Several teams are reportedly considering making a deal for QPR defender Jake Clarke-Salter this summer, including Ipswich Town.
The Tractor Boys are reportedly watching the center back in anticipation of the transfer window opening at the end of the current campaign, according to The Sun.
The Sun’s claim states that Wolves, Burnley, Cetlic, and Crystal Palace are among the teams vying for Ipswich’s signature. The 26-year-old’s contract expires in the summer of 2026, so any club hoping to recruit him would have to shell out a hefty price.
The significance of Jake Clarke-Salter to QPR
According to Fbref statistics, Clarke-Salter has made 29 appearances for the London club in the Championship this season, making him a vital member of QPR.
Their ascent up the table under Martí Cifuentes in the second half of the campaign has been largely attributed to his performances, and he has developed a productive rapport at the back with the more seasoned Steve Cook.
Although the amount QPR will demand for Clarke-Salter’s possible exit is unknown, he is a very valuable member of the Hoops’ roster.
Is Ipswich Town the perfect place for Jake Clarke-Salter to play next?
We now turn the question of whether Clarke-Salter would be a wise addition to Ipswich to our FLW authors.
Working under Cifuentes has greatly helped Declan Harte Clarke-Salter, and the Spaniard has strengthened his collaboration with Steve Cook.
If the Tractor Boys win promotion this season, a transfer to Ipswich may turn into a move to a Premier League team.
That would be a significant increase, and given how important Cameron Burgess and Luke Woolfenden have been to McKenna’s team, it would be challenging for him to compete with them for playing time.
Under Cifuentes, QPR are also rising, and the assurance of playing time in that configuration may be more alluring than taking a chance on moving up the football pyramid too quickly.
Although Clarke-Salter has shown promise this season, it is unclear if he would be prepared for a transfer to the Premier League.
Although QPR would like to hang on to such a valuable player, if Ipswich are willing to pay a high enough price, they could have to sell.
It will be impossible to reject any move for more than £10 million, but it is unclear if Ipswich would be willing to spend that much for a player who is currently not a sure starter.
Benigno
Since his Chelsea days as a young player, Clarke-Salter has shown great promise and has consistently performed well at the under-age levels for England.
But injuries have been his downfall of late, which may be why he never made it to Stamford Bridge and had to move down to the Championship in order to play regularly.
Fitness concerns plagued Clarke-Salter’s 2022–2023 season, but in the last few months, under Cifuentes, he has truly blossomed, and Steve Cook, who plays next to him, is the best leader in the Championship.
Nonetheless, Ipswich’s interest is undoubtedly an intriguing offer, particularly considering that the Tractor Boys are an attack-oriented team and that they have at times this season had a very porous back line.
Being a left-footer, Clarke-Salter would also be a great addition to Luke Woolfenden’s lineup. In fact, you could argue that he could be a more mobile upgrade over Cameron Burgess, who has played well this season, but you have to wonder if he can play in the Premier League should the Suffolk team advance.
If Ipswich stays in the Championship for 2024–2025, I don’t think a deal can be made because QPR will probably want to pay multiple millions. However, if promotion is made, Clarke–Salter would be a valuable addition to Kieran McKenna’s team, and he could finally try to realize the top flight potential he has always held.
The Hoops may have to take into account such a price for a player who, despite his decent play, has dangers, should Ipswich make a bid around £5 million.
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