Ipswich Shake-Up Could Affect Halaili

Kieran McKenna, who took the team from the third division to the Premier League, has ended his role. Sport 5 Published: 10.06.26, 21:27 (GETTY) | Photo: Sport 5

One of the biggest stories in English football has come to an end. Kieran McKenna announced today (Wednesday) that he is ending his tenure as Ipswich manager and will take a break from football, after five impressive seasons on the club’s touchline. The Tractor Boys, who have been mentioned in connection with the signing of Anan Halaili, may now be thrown into turmoil by the surprise move.

The 40-year-old Northern Irishman led the team back to the Premier League at the end of the current season and, as a result, they are planning a significant upgrade following their return to the spotlight. They see the Israeli as a player who can contribute a great deal, and are also prepared to pay the reported price tag, which is around 20 million euros. However, Napoli are still the favorites to sign him.

McKenna arrived at Portman Road in December 2021, when the club was struggling in England’s third division. In a short time he engineered a revolution and led the eastern club to three promotions in four years, including two promotions to the Premier League, returning one of England’s historic clubs to the spotlight.

After relegation in 2025, he stayed at the club despite interest from other teams and succeeded in bringing it straight back to the top flight at the end of the 2025/26 season, where they finished second in the Championship. Those close to him made clear that he does not intend to take on a new role in the near future, but instead will devote time to his family after intense years on the touchline.

Gary O’Neil and Liam Rosenior are mentioned as the leading candidates to replace him. English league. Did you spot a language mistake?