Ipswich Town Targets 31-Goal Striker, Ex-Nottingham Forest Star Sold for £5m
Ipswich Town is making significant moves to enhance their offensive lineup as the transfer window draws to a close. The club has reportedly shown interest in Sam Surridge, a forward currently playing for Nashville SC.
Sam Surridge’s Impressive Record
At 27 years old, Sam Surridge has established himself primarily in the Championship. He has previously played for notable clubs including Bournemouth, Swansea City, Stoke City, and Nottingham Forest. His Championship career boasts 17 goals and four assists from 86 appearances.
His recent performance in Major League Soccer (MLS) has been remarkable. Surridge scored 25 goals during the regular season and playoffs in 2025, and a total of 31 in all competitions. Notably, he ranked second in the league behind Lionel Messi in scoring.
Transfer Interests and Competition
Ipswich Town is keen to secure Surridge as a solution to their striking needs. However, they face competition from Wolverhampton Wanderers, a Premier League team also interested in the English forward. With the transfer window closing soon, Ipswich is actively exploring options to finalize any potential signing.
Striker Stats and Current Squad Challenges
This season, Ipswich’s scoring responsibilities have largely rested on Jack Clarke and Jaden Philogene. Despite showing promise, George Hirst has only netted six goals, leading to concerns over the team’s striking capabilities. Ivan Azon and Chuba Akpom have also struggled to find the back of the net, intensifying the need for a new forward.
- Current Strikers’ Goal Count:
- Jack Clarke: struggling to score consistently
- Jaden Philogene: underperforming in front of goal
- George Hirst: 6 goals this season
- Ivan Azon: not meeting goal expectations
- Chuba Akpom: similarly underwhelming performances
Financial Considerations
Given that Ipswich has already utilized all five of their loan spots, acquiring Surridge would require a permanent transfer. Nashville SC, who hold Surridge under contract until 2026, could potentially command a fee. Previously, he was sold by Nottingham Forest for £5 million.
Promotion Prospects
Head coach Kieran McKenna is focused on steering Ipswich back to the Premier League after their recent relegation. The team is currently in a strong position to challenge for automatic promotion. Their immediate rivals, Middlesbrough and Coventry City, are also facing challenges, indicating a potential opportunity for Ipswich.
The addition of Surridge could significantly boost Ipswich’s chances as they strive to climb back to the top tier of English football. With the transfer window closing soon, football fans will be keenly watching how this situation develops at Ipswich Town.
