Official Live: “With or without him” Should Ipswich Town Sign a Replacement for the Injured Wes Burns? Analyzing the Impact and Seven Ideal Transfer Targets…
The Impact of Wes Burns’ Injury
Wes Burns has been an essential part of Ipswich Town’s success. His pace, attacking threat, and ability to track back make him a crucial asset for Kieran McKenna’s side.
His injury means Ipswich must now decide whether to trust their squad depth or look for reinforcements.
Given the club’s ambitions and their push for promotion, bringing in a replacement could be a smart move. Ipswich must balance short-term needs with long-term squad planning.
Seven Potential Replacements for Wes Burns
1. Amar Dedić (Red Bull Salzburg)
- Position: Right-back / Right wing-back
- Why Him? Dedić is a dynamic full-back with strong attacking instincts. He can overlap effectively, deliver quality crosses, and has the stamina to cover the entire right flank.
- Feasibility: Salzburg might be reluctant to let him go, but a loan deal could be explored.
2. Ben Johnson (West Ham United)
- Position: Right-back / Right wing-back
- Why Him? Johnson has Premier League experience and is a solid defender who can also contribute in attack. He isn’t a natural winger like Burns, but his ability to get forward and deliver could make him a strong option.
- Feasibility: West Ham may be open to a loan move, given his limited game time.
3. Brooke Norton-Cuffy (Arsenal, on loan at Millwall)
- Position: Right wing-back / Right midfielder
- Why Him? A highly-rated Arsenal prospect, Norton-Cuffy is quick, strong, and aggressive in attack. He has been developing at Millwall and could offer a like-for-like replacement.
- Feasibility: Ipswich would need to negotiate with both Arsenal and Millwall to make this work.
4. Cody Drameh (Leeds United / Birmingham City loan)
- Position: Right-back / Right wing-back
- Why Him? Drameh is excellent going forward and has shown defensive resilience. His performances in the Championship have demonstrated his ability to adapt to different systems.
- Feasibility: Leeds might not recall him from Birmingham, but Ipswich could push for a summer deal.
5. Callum Brittain (Blackburn Rovers)
- Position: Right-back / Right wing-back
- Why Him? A consistent Championship performer, Brittain has a good balance of attacking and defensive qualities. He’s a strong crosser and can play multiple roles on the right side.
- Feasibility: A January bid could test Blackburn’s resolve.
6. Jack Stacey (Norwich City)
- Position: Right-back / Right wing-back
- Why Him? Stacey has played at Premier League and Championship levels and offers experience and reliability. His ability to drive forward with the ball and deliver into the box makes him a good fit.
- Feasibility: Convincing a promotion rival to sell would be tough, but if Norwich looks to reshape their squad, a deal could be made.
7. Tariq Lamptey (Brighton & Hove Albion – Loan Target)
- Position: Right-back / Right wing-back
- Why Him? A high-profile target, Lamptey brings electric pace, technical ability, and Premier League experience. Injuries have hampered his progress, but if Ipswich could secure him on loan, he’d be a game-changer.
- Feasibility: Brighton might be open to a loan, but competition from other clubs could be an issue.
Should Ipswich Replace Burns?
Ipswich could promote from within, using someone like Harry Clarke or Axel Tuanzebe in a more advanced role. However, given their higher position push, bringing in a quality right-sided player—whether permanently or on loan—would be a smart move.
A loan deal seems the most realistic option, ensuring cover without long-term financial risk. Someone like Ben Johnson or Brooke Norton-Cuffy would be ideal, providing immediate impact and covering for Burns’ absence.
Ipswich Town needs to decide whether they trust their current squad depth or bring in a direct replacement. If they opt for the latter, any of the seven players listed above would add quality and ensure they don’t lose momentum.
Given their position in the league, securing a strong right-sided player could be the difference in their finish in the league.
