Nemanja Matic to Ipswich? Transfer expert shares ‘huge’ verdict today
Lyon midfielder Nemanja Matic could be a “hugely important” signing for Ipswich Town if they can bring him in, as they look to pull clear of the relegation zone.
This is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 36-year-old’s experience could be key both on and off the pitch.
As things stand, Ipswich sit above the relegation zone on goal-difference, level on points with Wolves, and are keen to strengthen their squad to boost their chances of survival.
However, they are expected to take a different approach to recruitment to what was seen in the summer.
The Tractor Boys’ summer recruitment largely saw highly-rated young players brought in from lower-division clubs, including the likes of Jacob Greaves and Jack Clarke.
However, Brown has insisted they must now look to add experience to their team in an effort to turn their fortuned around in the second half of the season.
While Matic’s ability in possession will help Kieran McKenna’s side to retain possession better than they have done so far, his knowledge of Premier League football could be key.
Ipswich Town backed to land Nemanja Matic signing this month
Ipswich were always expected to struggle this season after their shock promotion from the Championship, but are determined to give themselves the best chance at staying up.
Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after spending over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that Matic could provide experience which is “hugely important” to their squad.
“I liked him when he was at Man United,” he told Football Insider.
“He was a proper footballer, could handle the ball in tight areas, great range of passing, and wasn’t afraid to put himself about.
“But he wasn’t quick, so he depends quite a lot on the players you’ve got around him.
“Now, I can’t imagine that his pace has improved since then.
“But if Ipswich can get runners around him, he can play a big role because he’ll help them retain possession and take more control in games.
“The question is whether, at 36 years old, he can still do it at this level, but Ipswich will have been watching him and will know the answer to that.
“When you’re down that end of the table, you need experience and leadership to help deal with the tough situations you can be thrown into.
“He would be a good player to have not just on the pitch but in the dressing room too.
“It could be hugely important to their relegation fight that Ipswich add that sort of know-how and wisdom into their squad now.”
In other news, Wolves and Ipswich open preliminary Kelechi Iheanacho talks.
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