Kieran McKenna has spoken out for the first time about Sammie Szmodics’ deadline-day deal to Derby County from Ipswich Town, as the Tractor Boys prepare to travel to Pride Park on Saturday afternoon.

The agile forward had initially piqued the interest of both the Rams and Wrexham, but when the 30-year-old’s asking price was raised to £6 million, it appeared like a deal was dead in the water.

Nonetheless, John Eustace’s side was able to get Szmodics to the club on loan in the dying moments of the January transfer window, and while he will be unable to play this weekend against his parent club, he will be ready to go next week.

McKenna has spoken for the first time since the transfer was finalized, and he has also revealed where the Republic of Ireland international’s future may lay at Ipswich.

Kieran McKenna discusses Sammie Szmodics’ move to Derby County.

Despite joining the Tractor Boys in August 2024, Szmodics’ £9 million move from Blackburn Rovers has not gone as planned due to injuries. He has struggled to establish himself in Suffolk.

With Ipswich scheduled to face Derby this weekend, McKenna was asked if the player has a future at Portman Road. He stated (via EADT): “We’ll see what the summer brings.”

He explained why Szmodics was transferred to another play-off chasing club: “It’s clear from a football perspective where Sammie’s at and how he’s done.”He had a very fantastic first half of the season with us in the Premier League, scoring some huge goals and reaching four before Christmas. “He demonstrated his strengths, and we missed him during the second half of the season.”He suffered two major injuries in the calendar year 2025, both of which required lengthy recoveries that set him back slightly. “There are obvious football things there.”But in the end, it was not a football decision, and it had nothing to do with his football performance. It was a decision taken to benefit our group dynamic, our dressing room culture, our dressing room ideals, and our team.”

McKenna went on to say, “In those regards, the decision was made that it was best if Sammie did not join us for the remainder of the season.” There was a potential of a permanent transfer, but due to a lack of adequate offers, it was decided that he should not be here this season. That’s all I’ll say about it.Supporters may not have a complete picture when a player is loaned to a successful team, which I understand.But, in the end, it’s up to those of us at the top of the club, and it’s my obligation to do what I believe is best for the football club; I’ve done so since I’ve been here, and I’ll continue to do so, which was the reason for this decision.

Sammie Szmodics’ career at Ipswich Town appears to be all but ended, according to Kieran McKenna.

While he will always have the opportunity to impress those at Portman Road, it appears like Szmodics will be searching for a new club this summer, particularly if Ipswich are promoted to the Premier League.

The former Blackburn star has a clear connection with John Eustace, and this loan move could be the best decision he ever made if he regains the form he had at Ewood Park.

Szmodics only wanted Derby, and it could be the right place at the right time for a player who is lacking confidence, especially with former Blackburn teammates Lewis Travis and Ben Brereton Diaz present – the former being his self-proclaimed best football friend, which could be a big help.

McKenna’s interview was eye-opening, with non-football reasons mentioned for his leaving; if those troubles persist throughout the summer, this might be the start of a long goodbye to Ipswich.