Ipswich Town has exercised their option to extend goalkeeper Christian Walton’s contract at Portman Road, as reported by TeamTalk. The 28-year-old shot-stopper, who had caught the eye of other clubs leading up to the summer transfer window, originally joined the Tractor Boys on loan from Brighton in 2021 before making the move permanent in January 2022.

During the 2022/23 season, Walton played a pivotal role in Ipswich Town’s promotion from League One to the Championship, featuring in every league game. However, a recent injury setback allowed Vaclav Hladky to establish himself as the team’s first-choice goalkeeper, limiting Walton’s playing time.

With his contract set to expire this summer, there were speculations surrounding Walton’s future at the club. But Ipswich has now secured his services for another year by activating a 12-month extension clause in his contract. This move ensures that any potential suitors would need to negotiate a transfer fee if they want to acquire Walton’s services during the 2024 summer transfer window.

Although there were talks of other clubs showing interest in Walton if he became a free agent, it seems like Ipswich’s decision to extend his contract might change the dynamics of his potential transfer. Despite the contract extension, the possibility remains that Walton could still depart Ipswich this summer, considering his decreased playing time and the potential for incoming offers that could benefit both parties.

In this manner, Ipswich stands to garner additional funds for reinvestment in the club, while Walton secures the chance to engage in consistent first-team action crucial for his career stage—one that appears unlikely to materialize at Portman Road presently.

Notably, as they gear up for a Premier League comeback, Ipswich might be expected to enhance their squad holistically this summer.

If such an enhancement unfolds, Walton could potentially find himself up for transfer consideration in the coming months.

Given these factors, monitoring Walton’s situation throughout the summer remains prudent, despite the recent contract developments at Ipswich Town.