Ipswich Town release two players including World Cup star as Kalvin Phillips’ future is decided

IPSWICH have released just two players following their relegation from the Premier League.

The Tractor Boys have cut ties with Australia star Massimo Luongo and winger Marcus Harness as the club prepares for life back in the Championship.

Former World Cup star Massimo Luongo has been released by Ipswich

Marcus Harness could be offered a permanent deal at a Championship club

Ipswich have confirmed that Kalvin Phillips will go back to his parent club Manchester City

Kieran McKenna’s side have also sent Kalvin Phillips back to his parent club Manchester City after the expiry of his season-long loan.

Phillips, who failed to register a single goal contribution in 19 Prem games for Ipswich, has been linked with a return to Championship winners Leeds for months.

The 29-year-old left his boyhood club, where he’s still loved, for City back in 2022 in a six-year £45million deal.

But he’s had a nightmare time at the Etihad, playing just 16 times in the Prem in two seasons, before being loaned to West Ham and Ipswich.

And it seems likely that Pep Guardiola‘s side will look to permanently sell or loan out the Euro 2020 midfielder again this summer.

Meanwhile, Julio Enciso will return to Brighton and former Everton defender Ben Godfrey has been shipped back to Atalanta after playing just three Prem games this season.

Napoli midfielder Jens Cajuste’s loan has also expired, despite him playing 33 games this term.

Ipswich’s statement read: “Luongo and Harness depart after playing significant roles in the club’s back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League.”

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Luongo, part of Australia‘s 2014 and 2018 World Cup squads, joined in January 2023 and scored five goals in 75 appearances.

Harness scored 10 goals in 89 games before joining Derby, who finished 19th in the Championship, on loan in August 2024.

But the 29-year-old could be in luck as Derby boss John Eustace is interested in bringing him back to Pride Park on a permanent basis.

Meanwhile, Harry Clarke will return from his loan at Sheffield United, who missed out on promotion after a heartbreaking play-off final defeat to Sunderland.

Ali Al-Hamadi returns from Stoke and Cameron Humphreys from Wycombe Wanderers after having spent time away on loan. 

Centre-back Cameron Burgess and former Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe will be offered new contracts.

Meanwhile, Chelsea have activated striker Liam Delap’s £30million release clause – put in place in case Ipswich were relegated.

Liam Delap is joining ChelseaGetty