Ipswich Town questioned for "confusing" Leicester City, Kasey McAteer move | OneFootball

FLW's Ipswich fan pundit has given his verdict on the club's interest in Kasey McAteer

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…

Ipswich Town have reportedly made an opening offer to Leicester City to sign Kasey McAteer.

According to journalist John Percy, the Tractor Boys are keen on signing the winger before the 1 September deadline.

It’s believed that the Suffolk outfit are optimistic of sealing a deal for the 23-year-old, who made 18 appearances in the Premier League for the Foxes last season.

The Ireland international has a contract with Leicester until the summer of 2028.

Ipswich issued Kasey McAteer transfer warning

When asked about the potential signing of McAteer, FLW’s Ipswich fan pundit Adam Wilkin expressed his surprise at the club’s interest.

He believes that the 23-year-old is not an ambitious enough replacement for Omari Hutchinson, but that he could be a good squad player if the winger’s willing to accept limited game time.

“Kasey McAteer is a bit of a confusing link, to me,” Wilkin told Football League World.

“I don’t think it’s an ambitious enough signing to replace Omari Hutchinson, who is a direct replacement.

“He’s only got a squad role at Leicester behind [Abdul] Fatawu and [Stephy] Mavididi.

“He did look good when we played against us last season, and he scored against us.

“Never a big fan of signing someone who came onto the radar based on their performance for the opposition against us, it’s gone badly for us in the past.

“But I’m not really sure what McKenna is trying to do with that right-wing role, he’s obviously not a direct Omari replacement as he’d be right-footed and maybe a similar sort of profile to [Chiedozie] Ogbene.

“His defensive numbers look very good in terms of pressing and winning the ball in the air, and just that defensive side in the final third, which would suit a certain type of right-wing role if we’re going to press teams high.

“And he’s obviously got pace to burn in behind, which is again similar to the [Wes] Burns and Ogbene role.

“I wouldn’t be overly excited by it, compared to Omari Hutchinson I think there are better options out there.

“But, as a squad player, if he’s going to come in and be happy as a squad player with limited minutes, he’s still only 23.

“The recruitment team and McKenna, if this is a legitimate link, must have seen something in him.

“But overall, doesn’t really set the heart pumping.”

Ipswich have drawn their opening two games of the new season 1-1, and will face Preston North End on 23 August in their next fixture.

Kasey McAteer signing is a strange one for Ipswich

McAteer didn’t really show last year that he’s capable of being a Premier League player, which Ipswich should be looking for in prospective signings this summer.

Losing Hutchinson is a big blow, and replacing him with the Leicester forward would be an underwhelming move.

They are very different styles of forward, and it could indicate that McKenna is looking for something else instead of a direct replacement.

If Ipswich can keep the cost of the deal low, then maybe it could work out, but it’s a bit of a head-scratcher at this point.