29-year-old tipped for Ipswich Town exit as "minimal fee" claim is made | OneFootball

FLW's Ipswich fan pundit has given his verdict on Marcus Harness' future at the club

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Marcus Harness’ future at Ipswich Town is uncertain going into the summer transfer window.

The 29-year-old’s contract is set to expire in the coming weeks, but the Tractor Boys hold an option to extend it by a further year.

Harness featured in the opening two games of the Premier League season before being loaned out to Derby County last August.

The versatile forward made 41 appearances in the Championship for the Rams as they secured survival in the league with a 19th place finish in the table.

Marcus Harness departure claim

When asked about Harness’ future at the club, FLW’s Ipswich fan pundit Adam Wilkin feels it’s likely the player will be offloaded this summer.

He believes the extension option will be triggered in order to avoid losing him for nothing, but that the Suffolk outfit will look to get a fee for him this year with a permanent sale.

“I don’t expect Marcus Harness to be an Ipswich player at the end of the summer transfer window,” Wilkin told Football League World.

“He was very much a squad player in our promotion season, and following our promotion to the Premier League, we have strengthened in that area quite significantly.

“His contract is due to expire, but the club do have an option to extend it for another year, so I can’t see him being released on a free.

“I’d imagine the club will trigger that option and try get a fee for him, even if it is a minimal fee.

“With Derby staying up, they’re probably favourites to secure his signature, but that lower-to-mid-table Championship range I think would be a good fit for him.

“Maybe former club Portsmouth could also be interested.”

Ipswich have had their relegation back to the Championship confirmed, with two games still to play in the top flight campaign.

Harness departure this summer is inevitable

Even with relegation back to the Championship, it’s hard to see Harness having much of a role in Kieran McKenna’s plans going forward.

He played 34 times in the league for the team when they gained promotion in the 2023/24 campaign, but only seven of those appearances came as a starter.

Given the signings they’ve made since, and the way the squad has been strengthened, he’s likely to feature even less this year if he stays.

And given how his loan spell went, a move further down the Championship table would make a lot of sense for all parties.