Ipswich Town’s promotion hopes hang in the balance, but the future of star loan keeper Christian Walton could soon be decided. Kieran McKenna’s side have drifted in the League One promotion odds market following their 2-0 loss at Bolton. They are now available as long as 12/1 with bet365 to get promoted back to the second tier this term. Their welcome bonus has long been regarded as one of the top three promotions at oddschecker, which lists the latest deals among licensed and regulated bookmakers.
Although their chances of getting back to the Championship this season seem remote, the club’s hierarchy are doing everything they can to retain the services of on-loan stopper Walton. The Seagulls’ third-choice keeper was brought in on loan by former boss Paul Cook, but new chief McKenna is very happy to keep Walton in Suffolk. Walton is also known to have a strong friendship with Town’s new goalkeeping coach Rene Gilmartin. Walton and Gilmartin spent time together earlier in their career at Plymouth Argyle. All of which could help tip the balance in Ipswich’s favour during this month’s transfer window.
Reports suggest that Albion have activated a seven-day recall on Walton, with the 26-year-old set to return to the south coast after the 2-0 defeat at the Macron Stadium. With Walton out of contract at the end of the season, the Seagulls seemingly want to get a transfer fee for Walton in January to prevent him from leaving as a free agent in the summer.
Ipswich in a battle with second tier clubs for Walton on a permanent basis
Walton has courted interest from a handful of Championship clubs in recent weeks, given his impressive form between the sticks at Portman Road. However, Ipswich remain in pole position for his signature, with Walton admitting his enjoyment at playing for the Tractor Boys. Luton Town are said to be the closest challengers to signing Walton, but Ipswich’s enhanced financial muscle following its April takeover by a US consortium could keep the Hatters at bay.
Walton has been at Brighton & Hove Albion since 2013, where he completed his scholarship before signing professional terms that summer. During the last eight years, he has had no fewer than eight loan moves, including a spell at Ipswich’s transfer rivals for Walton, Luton Town. As he approaches his late 20s, Walton will understandably want to put down some roots and play for a club over several years rather than move to all corners of the country.
At 6ft 5”, Walton cuts a hugely imposing figure between the sticks for Ipswich. Walton has been very impressive with his command of the penalty area seemingly streets ahead of many other keepers at League One level. His shot stopping has also been of a high level, even if his distribution from the floor can be unpredictable at times.
There is no doubt that Kieran McKenna is keen for the club to close the deal and bring an end to the saga. He said the club’s hierarchy “were positive a solution would be met” after the weekend loss to Bolton.
What does Walton’s likely long-term arrival mean for Vaclav Hladky?
The probable arrival of Walton as Ipswich’s long-term first-choice keeper raises huge question marks over the future of Czech keeper Vaclav Hladky. The former Salford City and St Mirren stopper was held in very high regard by EFL analysts last season. The 31-year-old was the star keeper in League Two in 2020/21, which attracted the attention of the Tractor Boys, who needed a new senior keeper to begin the 2021/22 campaign.
However, a shaky start to life in East Anglia saw former boss Cook promptly bring in Christian Walton on loan, who has been a virtual ever-present since his switch from the Amex Stadium. Hladky has struggled both aerially and with the ball at his feet during his brief time at Ipswich. Several goals have been attributed to the Czech’s poor handling and positioning, as well as his indecisiveness at owning the penalty area.
The Town defence have often looked on edge with Hladky in goal, with Walton seemingly providing a calmer presence behind the current back three. Hladky signed a three-year contract at Portman Road in the summer of 2021, so Ipswich would likely be looking for a fee to sell Hladky at the end of this season. Hladky’s compatriot, third-choice keeper Tomas Holy, is also out of contract at the end of 2021/22, so McKenna may be in the market for a back-up keeper to Walton should he become a permanent Ipswich player.
Will Ipswich be active elsewhere in this month’s transfer window?
Town CEO Mark Ashton confirmed late last year that the club would be active in the January transfer market. There are one or two areas of the squad that could yet require tinkering. The left back area is certainly one that could do with an overhaul. Loanee Hayden Coulson has endured a relatively torrid time with injuries since moving from Middlesbrough at the start of the season. Matt Penney has been in and out of the side and looks more comfortable at left wing back as opposed to an out-and-out full back role.
In attack, it looked like being the end of the road for troubled striker James Norwood a couple of months ago. He had fallen out of favour at the club, but the arrival of McKenna as boss appears to have galvanised the former Tranmere ace into form. Having been originally transfer listed a few months ago, it’s unlikely the club would allow him to depart. Although fellow front man Kayden Jackson could be one of a handful that leave in search of regular first team football.
Although the Blues look well-stocked in central midfield, an injury to either Sam Morsy or Lee Evans could leave them looking a little light. Walsall fan sites have linked Liam Kinsella with a switch to Suffolk from the West Midlands, although as yet no credible sources have confirmed the rumours.
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