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Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has confirmed that Massimo Luongo will be departing the club at the conclusion of his contract this summer. As the team prepares for their season finale against West Ham at Portman Road, the focus will also be on giving Luongo the farewell he deserves. This announcement comes as conversations regarding the futures of other players, such as Cameron and Axel, continue with the club.
Kieran McKenna said: “With Cameron and Axel, conversations are still going on with the club that will probably run into the week or so. But Massimo’s going to be moving on in the summer. I think it’s only right that the supporters, and I’m sure they’ll be really keen to do so, have an opportunity to give him the farewell that he deserves.”
Luongo initially joined Ipswich Town on trial in December 2023 after being released by Middlesbrough. He subsequently signed a short-term contract and became instrumental in the Blues’ remarkable journey to automatic promotion and their subsequent step up to the Premier League. Despite starting the opening two league games of this season, his opportunities have been limited since then.
McKenna continued: “He’s been an incredible player for the club. Probably, if you wanted to look up his points per game and win percentages, until this season in the Premier League, he might be the best free signing in football history! From him arriving in that January (2023), his win ratio over the next 18 months was something incredible. Working with him day to day, I can tell you that’s not an accident.”
The 32-year-old Australian midfielder has made a significant impact during his tenure at Ipswich Town, with McKenna praising his football intelligence and game awareness. The manager expressed confidence in Luongo’s ability to continue playing at a high level and his potential to secure a place in the Australian squad for the World Cup.
McKenna added: “I have to say, I think from a football IQ point of view and a game feel point of view, and I’ve said this to him, I think he’s the best player I’ve worked with. And I’ve worked with some really good players. To be honest, I think he can do a really good job still. He’s still in good condition. He’s training really well.”
Looking ahead, McKenna emphasized the need for Ipswich Town to invest in the future, particularly in the midfield positions. While acknowledging the contributions of both Sam Morsy and Luongo, the club aims to add depth to their midfield unit to ensure success in the coming seasons.
McKenna concluded: “And for us, it’s a position as a club where we need to try and invest in the future. Sam (Morsy) and Mass have done incredibly for the club. And, of course, Sammy is still going to be an important part of it next year. But we need to invest in those roles, in those positions, and add depth to that midfield unit to help us not just for next season, but also for the seasons ahead. So I think it’s the right decision for all parties.”
As Ipswich Town prepares for their final match of the season, the club and its supporters will be eager to bid farewell to a player who has left an indelible mark on their recent achievements.
