Recent updates from Liverpool may help alleviate worries regarding Kieran McKenna’s tenure at Ipswich Town. His potential transition to Liverpool as Klopp’s successor introduces uncertainty about his position at Ipswich.
Despite verbal agreements and connections to other clubs such as Manchester United and West Ham, Kieran McKenna’s departure remains in limbo.
Ipswich’s promotion could strengthen McKenna’s ties to the club, but interest from several top-tier clubs presents a possible obstacle.
The concerns of Ipswich Town about potentially losing Kieran McKenna might have been alleviated.
His success with the team in their first Championship season has garnered significant interest in the Northern Irishman.
The Tractor Boys are fighting for a place in the Premier League, as they seek back-to-back promotions.
The last manager to accomplish consecutive promotions from League One to the Premier League was Eddie Howe with Bournemouth in 2015.
Therefore, it’s not unexpected that several top-flight clubs are rumored to be interested in the Ipswich manager.
There’s speculation that the 37-year-old could be a surprise candidate to lead at Anfield as Liverpool seeks a successor for Jurgen Klopp.
Ruben Amorim linked with Liverpool
Xabi Alonso seemed like the natural choice to succeed the departing Jurgen Klopp, especially after Klopp announced his departure in January.
Alonso has been having a fruitful season at Bayer Leverkusen and has strong ties with Liverpool from his playing days.
However, he recently confirmed his commitment to Bayer Leverkusen, leaving uncertainty about who will fill the role as the next Liverpool manager.
Despite Kieran McKenna being mentioned as a possibility, reports suggest that Ruben Amorim, the manager of Sporting Clube de Lisbon, is currently the top contender for the position.
According to Give Me Sport, a verbal agreement has been reached between the Portuguese coach and the Premier League side, thus indicating he is next in line behind Alonso.
This will be music to Ipswich supporters’ ears, as losing McKenna would be a huge blow to the club, regardless of their league status for next season.
He has done an impressive job at Portman Road, taking the club from mid-table in League One to challenging for Premier League promotion.
Since assuming the role in December 2021, the coach has managed 73 victories out of 126 games, culminating in a runner-up position in the third tier last season with an impressive 98 points.
Although there’s been progress for Ipswich, Kieran McKenna’s future with the club remains uncertain.
Despite this, there are ongoing associations with clubs like Manchester United, where McKenna has significant ties. He gained a favorable reputation with the Premier League team during his coaching tenure there, leading to considerations of him as a potential future manager for the Red Devils.
With Erik ten Hag’s own future up in the air going into the summer, there is still the possibility that the Manchester club pursues their former coach.
Darren Bent has also tipped McKenna as a potential replacement to David Moyes, should the Scot leave the London side in the summer.
“That’s the only worry,” said Bent, via Ben Foster’s YouTube channel.
“He’s been phenomenal, and if Ipswich don’t go up… There’s so many people that would take him I think.
“West Ham potentially with David Moyes. There’s so many options.”
Crystal Palace were also linked with a move for the Ipswich boss prior to appointing Oliver Glasner, and will likely retain an interest in him as long as he remains at Portman Road.
Even German side Stuttgart are reportedly interested in appointing him if their manager Sebastian Hoeneß depart any time soon.