Leeds United could be facing early summer disappointment in the transfer market, with Ipswich Town preparing to offer George Hirst a new long-term deal amid mounting interest from both Leeds and Burnley.
Sources indicate that the Suffolk club is determined to retain the 26-year-old, who has recently returned to form following a lengthy injury lay-off. With Liam Delap expected to exit Portman Road at the season’s end, manager Kieran McKenna is keen to keep at least one of his key forwards as Ipswich aim for a return to top-flight football.
Hirst has made 24 appearances this season, scoring four times and notching two assists. His recent performances – including a standout display in a 2-2 draw with Chelsea – have reportedly caught the eye of newly promoted Leeds and Burnley. However, Ipswich are unwilling to part with a player they see as central to their promotion ambitions.
Nomadic Career
The Sheffield-born forward has endured a nomadic career, first emerging from the youth system at Sheffield Wednesday, where he signed professional terms in 2016 and made his debut in the same year. Despite early promise, he turned down a long-term contract in 2018 amid links to Manchester United, eventually making a surprise move to Belgian side OH Leuven under the guidance of former Owl Nigel Pearson.
A year later, Hirst returned to England with Premier League club Leicester City. After a solitary senior appearance and a string of loan spells at Rotherham United, Portsmouth, Blackburn Rovers, and Ipswich, the forward finally found stability when Ipswich made his move permanent in July 2023.
Though his first Championship season with the club was disrupted by a significant hamstring injury, Hirst returned in time to play a crucial role in Ipswich’s promotion campaign. He scored in his comeback match against Hull City and featured in the final stretch, helping the Tractor Boys seal their return to the Premier League. His first top-flight goal came in a dramatic 4-3 loss to Brentford in October 2024, showcasing his ability to perform at the highest level.
With a contract running until June 2027, Ipswich remain in a strong position to rebuff any summer approaches. Leeds, who are planning a swift rebuild following their promotion, may now have to shift their focus elsewhere.
Writer’s View
Hirst’s story is one of resilience – from early struggles and multiple loan moves to finally establishing himself at a club willing to invest in his development.
For Leeds, this isn’t just about missing out on a striker; it’s a signal that clubs like Ipswich, even when newly promoted, have the ambition and resources to keep their best players. If Hirst signs a new deal, it will mark another shift in the Championship-to-Premier League transfer dynamic, where top talent no longer moves by default.
