Ipswich Town column: Tractor Boys academy graduate Flynn Downes is the sort of signing club needs to be making this summer

After yet another defeat away at Leicester on Sunday, I’m quite frankly fed up of reporting the same old story this season.

So instead, let’s look at the rumour mill of who is supposedly on their way to Portman Road this summer. Forgive me here, as I’ve gone early with this.

There’s no doubting Ipswich Town require a midfield reboot. In fact, I’d say it’s the main area we’ve been short in this season.

Sam Morsy has been an excellent captain for Town. I’m not going to disrespect him and I do believe he’s held his own this season. But at 33, he hasn’t always had the legs to match his opponents this season – and the fact he’s had a different partner alongside him most weeks hasn’t helped.

For me, this is the area we have to get right. We’ve got more wingers than days of the week and if we’re able to keep hold of the likes of Cameron Burgess, Axel Tuanzebe and Leif Davis, I’d suggest we’d be fine defensively, too. So it’s the midfield and centre-forward which need the attention.

One name currently being brandished is Flynn Downes. The Town academy graduate has had a good career since leaving Suffolk. From winning European silverware with West Ham, to starring in a promotion-winning campaign for Southampton. So would you take him back? I certainly would.

A lot has been made about his exit in 2021. But the reality is, Town were a rotting League One club at that time and unlike Luke Woolfenden, he chose to jump ship. It doesn’t leave the best taste in my mouth, but I’m not sure I can hate him for it.

That’s off the pitch, but on it, Flynn is – and would be – one of the best midfielders in The Championship. I’d love to see him back and think he could play either of Morsy and Luongo roles, if we’re going to go back to that.

This summer’s transfer window is crucial. We’re having a really poor end to the campaign and have to start the next one well.

It’ll be interesting to see who walks through the door, but if Downes is the calibre of player we’re being linked with, that has to be a positive.