Photo credit: www.bbc.com

Ipswich Town Agrees £12m Deal for Defender Dara O’Shea

Ipswich Town has successfully acquired defender Dara O’Shea from Burnley for an initial fee of £12 million, which could rise to £15 million with add-ons. This signing marks a significant step for the club as they aim to bolster their squad.

The Republic of Ireland international has committed to a five-year contract with Ipswich, becoming the 11th addition to head coach Kieran McKenna’s roster this summer. This comes shortly after the club finalized a deal for winger Jack Clarke, who joined from Sunderland.

O’Shea is the second player from Burnley to sign with Ipswich this summer, following goalkeeper Arijanet Muric. This recruitment strategy reflects Ipswich’s intent to enhance their performance after a promising season.

The 25-year-old defender expressed enthusiasm about joining Ipswich, stating, “It was really hard not to pay attention to everything the team was able to achieve last season, and to have the chance to join a club with such ambition and momentum was really attractive. At this stage of my career, it’s the perfect time to make the move.”

Before his time at Burnley, O’Shea developed through the West Bromwich Albion academy and made over 100 appearances for the Baggies. He transferred to Burnley in June 2023 for a fee of £7 million following their promotion to the Premier League. During his tenure at Burnley, he made 35 appearances and contributed four goals, including one in their season opener against Luton Town.

However, O’Shea was absent from the squad in their recent 1-0 loss to Sunderland, with manager Scott Parker later confirming that he was departing the club. This development indicates a shift in strategy at Burnley as they restructure their squad following their earlier acquisitions.

Source
www.bbc.com