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By the numbers: Dara O'Shea signs for Town

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Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

O'Shea becomes Ipswich Town's 11th signing this summer. Ash Read looks at the numbers.

The details: Ipswich Town has signed Republic of Ireland international Dara O'Shea from Burnley for an initial £12 million, with potential add-ons of up to £3 million.

Dara O'Shea
O'Shea had previously been linked with moves to Brentford and WolvesAlamy

The 25-year-old brings valuable top-flight experience, having made 61 Premier League appearances across stints with Burnley (2023/24 season) and West Bromwich Albion (2020/21).

On the pitch: O'Shea is a modern centre back with all the right attributes to fit with Town's squad. He's strong in the air, having won 65% of his aerial duels in the Premier League last season.

He also made zero errors leading to goals conceded last season, and scored three goals for Burnley in the top flight.

O'Shea's passing ability complements Town's style of play. Last season, O'Shea completed around ~52 passes per game with a pass completion rate of 79%. For context, so far this season Luke Wolfenden has completed ~51 passes per game with an 80% completion rate.

Zoom out: The Irish defender, who has earned 26 caps for his country, is expected to slot into Kieran McKenna's starting lineup. His arrival provides Ipswich with depth and flexibility across the backline, with two players for each position:

  • DL: Leif Davis, Connor Townsend

  • DC(L): Jacob Greaves, Cameron Burgess

  • DC(R): Dara O'Shea, Luke Wolfenden

  • DR: Axel Tuanzebe, Ben Johnson

What's next: O'Shea's arrival could pave the way for George Edmundson's departure, with the club potentially exploring loan or permanent options for the defender.

Town are also thought to be continuing their search for a striker as the collapse of the Armando Broja deal looks increasingly likely. The transfer window closes on Friday at 11pm.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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FORKNIGHT returns to Ipswich with 30+ delicious offers

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Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

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We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Now's your chance to discover Ipswich's incredible food scene – special offers await at pubs, cafés and restaurants across the town centre from 19-31 May, as the beloved FORKNIGHT returns after a six-year hiatus.

Why it matters: This campaign isn't just about the deals – it's about discovering what makes Ipswich's food scene worth celebrating and finding your new favourite spot. From British classics to African-inspired dishes, FORKNIGHT celebrates the diversity that makes Ipswich's food scene special.

Forknight header
Ipswich Central

What's new: More than 30 participating venues are offering special deals throughout the day – whether you're after breakfast, brunch, lunch or an evening meal out.

European delicacies, American comfort food, Asian flavours, African cuisine, and much more, giving you plenty of reasons to step outside your usual habits and try something new, somewhere new.

What they're saying: Lee Walker , CEO of Ipswich Central , said: "We've got a wonderful array of places to eat around the town, that for a two-week period we're showcasing these and encouraging people to make use of great food offers to eat out with friends or family.

"Visit a venue you haven't tried before, maybe enjoy a type of cuisine that you wouldn't normally try or didn't even know was available right here in town!"

How to take part: Visit www.allaboutipswich.com/forknight to browse the offers. Choose one that catches your eye and quote 'FORKNIGHT' when booking at participating venues.

Walker added: "FORKNIGHT is a reminder that we have some great places to eat out around the town, for breakfast, brunch, lunch or an evening meal out we've got all options covered."

The bottom line: FORKNIGHT offers the perfect opportunity to support local businesses whilst expanding your culinary horizons. Why not make this the fortnight you finally try that restaurant you've been meaning to visit?

Over the next two weeks, we'll be spotlighting some of the incredible people behind Ipswich's most-loved eateries, so make sure you subscribe to our newsletter and visit our website regularly.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

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