How Wes Burns and Sammie Szmodics reacted to Conor Chaplin leaving Ipswich Town | OneFootball

Conor Chaplin joined Portsmouth from Ipswich Town on deadline day

Ipswich Town duo Wes Burns and Sammie Szmodics have reacted to former team-mate Conor Chaplin’s surprise deadline day move to Portsmouth.

Chaplin joined Pompey - the club whose academy he came through as a youngster and started his professional career at - on a season-long loan in what was one of the biggest shock swoops in the Championship.

The 28-year-old played a huge role in Ipswich’s back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League, scoring 39 goals and providing 13 assists across the two seasons.

He struggled to maintain that form in the top flight, having to settle for more of a rotational role, and couldn't regain his place in the team following the Tractor Boys’ relegation back to the Championship.

An emotional return to his former home in Portsmouth presented itself as an opportunity, which Chaplin was keen to explore.

The forward joined Pompey’s academy system in 2003 and wouldn’t leave Fratton Park for another 15 years, representing the club’s first-team from 2014.

Chaplin was a popular figure at Ipswich Town, and that was made clear following some of his teammates’ reactions to his departure.

Wes Burns and Sammie Szmodics react to Conor Chaplin's surprise Ipswich Town exit

After Chaplin’s move to Portsmouth was officially announced, current Ipswich pair Burns and Szmodics were quick to congratulate their former team-mate on his homecoming.

Posting to his Instagram story, Burns stated: “One of the very best. Gunna miss you my boy. 1-2 in a phone box!”

The Tractor Boys winger made reference to Chaplin’s technical prowess as well as his ability to receive and play the ball in tight areas.

Szmodics, also posting to his Instagram story, followed the same sentiment with his message to Pompey’s new acquisition.

“Back home,” commented the former Blackburn Rovers hitman. “Some guy. Been a pleasure, CC. All the best.”

Despite playing with each other for just a single season, in which Ipswich suffered a great deal of misery due to their relegation from the Premier League, it’s clear to see that Chaplin had an immediate effect on those in the dressing room at Portman Road.

This presence will be hard to replace and may be sorely missed throughout the 2025/26 campaign.

Conor Chaplin is a fine addition to Portsmouth’s attacking unit - they could be serious dark horses

Portsmouth have started their 2025/26 Championship campaign in fine form, picking up seven points from their first four games.

This has been somewhat down to their attack singing in fine tune, with new arrival Adrian Segecic hitting the ground running with two second-tier goals.

Adding Chaplin into that mix will only improve matters, especially alongside operators such as Josh Murphy and Colby Bishop.

If the Ipswich Town loanee can find his form immediately, Pompey may soon enjoy one of the division’s most dangerous front-lines - could they be an outside chance for promotion this season?