Leif Davis has broken his silence on the transfer rumours that linked him with a move from Ipswich Town to Nottingham Forest during the summer window.
Following Ipswich’s relegation from the Premier League, reports suggested that Forest were interested in securing the services of the 25-year-old left-back. Davis had played a vital role in Kieran McKenna’s side during their top-flight campaign, making 33 appearances and contributing a goal and two assists.
Despite Ipswich finishing 19th and returning to the Championship after just one season, Davis chose to remain at Portman Road rather than pursue a move elsewhere. His focus, he says, was entirely on helping the club fight their way back to the Premier League at the first opportunity.
Davis addresses summer speculation
Speaking to TWTD, Davis reaffirmed his commitment to Ipswich and made it clear that his priority has always been the team’s success, not transfer talk.
“That’s not up to me off the pitch,” Davis said. “I was focused on everything I could do to get this club back up to the Premier League. My attention was fully on being here this season, doing everything I can to push everyone at the club to get back where we belong.
“I had my time off in the summer to recharge, but once I came back, all my focus was on helping the team improve and pushing myself as a player.”
A key figure in Ipswich’s resurgence
Since arriving from Leeds United in 2022, Davis has been one of Ipswich’s standout performers. After a difficult loan spell with Bournemouth, he quickly became an integral part of McKenna’s setup.
In his first season, he played a major role in Ipswich’s promotion from League One, tallying three goals and 14 assists in 43 appearances. He carried that form into the Championship, producing two goals and 18 assists as the Tractor Boys again finished second to seal a return to the Premier League.
This season, Davis continues to be an influential figure as Ipswich aim to bounce straight back. The team currently sit ninth in the table and will resume their campaign against Middlesbrough this Friday following the international break.
Keeping Davis was a major win for Ipswich
Ipswich’s relegation saw key players such as Liam Delap and Omari Hutchinson depart, weakening the squad’s attacking options. Losing Davis too would have been a significant setback, given his consistency, energy, and creativity from the left flank.
Nottingham Forest’s interest — particularly after qualifying for the Europa League — could easily have turned his head, but Davis’s decision to stay reflects both his belief in McKenna’s project and his loyalty to the club.
For Ipswich, keeping hold of Davis was a statement of intent — proof that they remain determined to return to the Premier League with their core talent intact.