Crystal Palace apparently has Kieran McKenna, the manager of Ipswich Town, on its list of summer managerial targets.
Journalist Alan Nixon claims that Crystal Palace is eyeing a summer transfer for Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna.
Roy Hodgson agreed to remain at Selhurst Park this summer after keeping the Eagles in the Premier League the previous season, but it is widely believed that the 76-year-old will leave the team at the conclusion of the current campaign.
McKenna is allegedly on the list of targets for a plan that Nixon alleges Palace is “already working on for when the veteran boss leaves for the last time.”
Since moving to Portman Road in December 2021, McKenna has performed admirably, guiding the Tractor Boys to last season’s promotion from League One.
Ipswich has adapted well to life in the Championship again and, after collecting 22 points from their first nine league games, is currently sitting in the automatic promotion spots.
In addition to McKenna, the Eagles are reportedly considering a move for Lille manager Paulo Fonseca.
In addition to McKenna, the Eagles are reportedly considering a move for Lille manager Paulo Fonseca.
Prior to the hiring of Patrick Vieira, Fonseca, who has previously led teams like Roma, Porto, and Shakhtar Donetsk, is claimed to have been under consideration by Palace. He is apparently eager to manage in the Premier League.
What is currently known about Kieran McKenna’s future at Ipswich Town?
The Eagles may have a difficult time persuading McKenna, 37, to leave Portman Road given that he recently agreed to a new four-year contract that will keep him in Suffolk through 2027.
Ipswich chief executive Mark Ashton said that there had been interest in McKenna before he committed his future to the club this summer. The Northern Irishman has previously been connected with Leicester City, Celtic, and the Republic of Ireland national team position.
McKenna has stated that one day he hopes to manage at the highest level with the Tractor Boys, although he has not specified which team.
McKenna stated to The Telegraph last month, “I want to be back to that level – back to the Premier League and manage in the Champions League.
“The club’s goal is to return to the Premier League, so let’s hope those two journeys come together at the same time.
But after that, I don’t make elaborate plans. In my capacity as manager, I have an obligation to give the club everything I have got. The football will take care of itself from that point on and carry you wherever it goes.
Would Crystal Palace make a wise choice in hiring Kieran McKenna?
The Eagles would make a great choice in McKenna.
He has established himself as one of the most talented young managers in the EFL, and whether it is at Ipswich or elsewhere, he appears destined to manage in the Premier League in the not-too-distant future.
The Tractor Boys appear to be serious Championship candidates for automatic promotion after a great start to the year, and McKenna may be able to realize his dream of managing in the top flight at Portman Road.
It may be argued that a move to Selhurst Park would not necessarily be a step forward for McKenna because, should Ipswich be promoted, they have the financial means to compete in the Premier League.
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