Ipswich Town braces for a pivotal summer as they prepare to embrace Premier League soccer.

With a wave of new arrivals expected at Portman Road, some familiar faces are set to make way. One such departure is Sone Aluko, who bid adieu to his playing days upon the expiration of his contract with the club.

Although Aluko operated on the fringes of McKenna’s squad, his off-field contributions and presence in the locker room played a crucial part in Ipswich Town’s phenomenal ascent from the Championship.

While the veteran forward is hanging up his boots, it seems there may still be a role for him at the club.

McKenna expressed his admiration for Aluko, hinting at ongoing discussions to retain the Nigerian in a different capacity. He mentioned to the East Anglian Daily Times:

“We are hopeful that Sone will remain with us in some capacity. His agent is in talks with Mark about that.”

Tongue firmly in cheek, he humorously quipped, “He’s angling to become the highest-paid coach in Premier League history.”

“We are keen on retaining valuable individuals like Sone, who has proven to be a fantastic person. I envision him playing a continuing role here. Tonight may not be the last time we see him around,” McKenna added.

Many former players venture into coaching or administrative roles post-retirement, and Aluko could be poised to follow suit.

With McKenna recognizing his off-field prowess, prospects seem promising for Aluko as he charts his course post-playing days.

His wealth of experience accumulated over the years could prove invaluable if he steps into roles such as manager, coach, or part of the backroom staff in the foreseeable future. The unfolding of events will ultimately dictate what lies ahead for Aluko.

A Valuable Asset to Retain
As Ipswich Town transitions to the Premier League, retaining the retiring midfielder could hold significant benefits.

McKenna stressed the vital role Aluko played off the field, underlining the importance of preserving positive influences like him from the historic promotion season. Aluko’s off-pitch impact may be challenging to replace as the club aims to maintain the core group responsible for the consecutive promotions.

Amidst an era of transformation looming for the club, securing Aluko’s continued involvement might prove a shrewd move as he embarks on a post-playing career.