“Will Ipswich still keep Luke Woolfenden at Portman Road”- Adam Wilkin deliver BRUTAL verdict on Luke Woolfenden Portman Road future

“Will Ipswich still keep Luke Woolfenden at Portman Road”- Adam Wilkin deliver BRUTAL verdict on Luke Woolfenden Portman Road future

Ipswich Town’s Centre-Back Options Strengthened with Cedric Kipré Arrival – Woolfenden Still Has a Role to Play

Ipswich Town’s defensive ranks have been bolstered with the arrival of Cedric Kipré on loan from West Brom, giving manager Kieran McKenna four centre-back options heading into the new Championship season.

Kipré joins a group that includes Jacob Greaves and Dara O’Shea — both signed last year — as well as long-serving defender Luke Woolfenden. His arrival fills the gap left by Axel Tuanzebe’s departure.

With Ipswich targeting a swift return to the Premier League, McKenna will hope this strengthened backline provides the depth needed to sustain a promotion push.

Woolfenden’s Future Still at Portman Road?

Despite now facing more competition, 26-year-old Luke Woolfenden is not expected to leave the club. Speaking to Football League World, Ipswich fan pundit Adam Wilkin believes the club has no plans to sell the homegrown defender and still sees him as a valuable asset.

“I think Luke Woolfenden is one of the more underrated members of the squad,” Wilkin said. “He didn’t get as many Premier League games as he might’ve liked, but he was dependable whenever he played.”

Wilkin also emphasized that McKenna typically prefers having four centre-backs available, and that Woolfenden could still feature heavily — especially if McKenna occasionally reverts to a back-three system, as seen in pre-season where Woolfenden was used in a right-sided role.

“He’s probably not fourth-choice. I see him as second-choice for the right-sided centre-back spot, while Greaves and Kipré cover the left. And Kipré can play on both sides.”

Wilkin highlighted Woolfenden’s strengths in possession, noting his impressive pass completion stats last season.

He believes the defender will continue to get minutes due to the league’s demanding schedule and McKenna’s squad rotation.

While there was past interest from Inter Miami, Wilkin says he wouldn’t blame Woolfenden if such an opportunity came up again. Still, he believes the player’s deep connection to the club could keep him at Portman Road for at least another season.

Looking Ahead

Ipswich kick off their Championship campaign on August 8 with an away match at Birmingham City.

Woolfenden may not be the guaranteed starter he once was, but his experience, familiarity with the club, and ability on the ball still make him a key figure in McKenna’s plans.

Unless a strong offer comes in or Woolfenden pushes for a move himself, Ipswich are expected to keep hold of the defender, recognizing the value he brings both on and off the pitch.