Ipswich’s own Luke Woolfenden has risen to the Premier League. He opens up on his form, transfer rumors, and new contract. Stuart Watson reports…
Luke Woolfenden’s journey to the Premier League mirrors the rollercoaster ride of many in Ipswich Town’s squad.
Joining his hometown club at 12, he was loaned to Bromley in the National League for his first taste of senior football. Expecting to return to the Championship, he was instead sent to League Two Swindon, a move that left him disappointed. But fortunes changed—Town were relegated, and Woolfenden became a key player in League One.
By 2020, his form drew Premier League interest, with Sheffield United linked. Then-manager Paul Lambert dismissed the rumors, joking, “Three million doesn’t even buy you a flake!” But Woolfenden stayed, only to find himself in and out of the side as Town stagnated in the third tier. Under Paul Cook, he trained with the U23s and expected to leave, admitting, “I woke up most mornings wanting to be anywhere but Ipswich.”
Then came a turning point—new American owners, Kieran McKenna’s arrival, and back-to-back promotions. The local lad celebrated with tears and beers as Ipswich climbed back to the top flight.
This season, big-money signings Dara O’Shea (£12m) and Jacob Greaves (£15m) limited his opportunities. Woolfenden has started just nine of Ipswich’s 28 Premier League games and three FA Cup ties, even wearing the captain’s armband twice. Despite limited minutes, he feels he has performed well.
“I’ve really enjoyed it,” he says. “I think I’ve stepped up, and the boss agrees. Reaching 200 games for the club in the Premier League was unreal, especially considering there was a time I thought I was on my way out.”
A 4-0 loss to Newcastle in December led to a switch to a back three, opening the door for Woolfenden to start four straight league games, including a 2-0 win over Chelsea.
“Playing over Christmas is special,” he says. “The pitches are wet, and the games come thick and fast. Coming back for the Arsenal game was great—it had been a while since I’d played.”
On beating Chelsea, he adds: “Portman Road under the lights is always special. We were confident and executed the plan perfectly. Unbelievable.”
During the January transfer window, Sheffield United and Inter Miami were linked. “There’s interest every window,” he admits. “The Miami one was wide of the mark, though—otherwise, I’d be playing with Messi!”
Instead, Woolfenden signed a new contract until 2027. “I love working under the boss. Every session is intense. Ipswich is the best place to be in the Football League.”
With 10 games left, Ipswich sits six points from safety. Woolfenden believes survival is still possible but admits frustration at missed opportunities.
“The Spurs game summed it up—we were in it, then a deflection and an offside call changed everything. People say, ‘That’s the level,’ but those are mistakes you see in any division.”
Despite the odds, he remains defiant: “We still believe. We’ll fight until the very end.”
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