The Tractor Boys have set their sights on acquiring two players from the Stadium of Light. As per a report by TBR Football, they are eager to capitalize on their familiarity with the Championship during the upcoming summer transfer window.

Following a remarkable season culminating in a second consecutive promotion, the club is gearing up for its return to the Premier League after an absence of over two decades. Strengthening Kieran McKenna’s squad will be imperative for them to remain competitive in English football’s top tier next season.

It appears Ipswich has already pinpointed two potential recruits currently affiliated with The Stadium of Light who could bolster their chances in achieving this goal.

According to the latest report, the Tractor Boys are eager to secure the signings of both Ballard and Ekwah from Sunderland once the summer transfer window reopens next month.

It’s believed that the team striving for Championship promotion is leveraging their expertise in the division to guide their recruitment strategy for the upcoming transfer window.

Ipswich is reportedly aiming to recruit players they believe can successfully transition to the Premier League alongside them. Consequently, they are planning moves to acquire both Ballard and Ekwah from Sunderland this summer.

However, it’s noted that the duo will also attract interest from other clubs. Therefore, Ipswich is purportedly eager to act swiftly to secure their services.

Ekwah transferred to Sunderland from West Ham in January 2023 and has since amassed 60 appearances across all competitions for the Black Cats, netting five goals and providing two assists during that period.

Ballard, on the other hand, has notched three goals and one assist in 66 games since his move from Arsenal in the summer of 2022.

Both Ballard and Ekwah have contracts with their current club that extend just over three years, ensuring their presence at The Stadium of Light until the conclusion of the 2026/27 season.

This lengthy contract duration puts Sunderland in a favorable position to address any potential offers from Ipswich during the summer transfer window.

On the Sunderland front, they concluded the season with a disappointing 16th-place finish in the Championship standings. Their campaign was marked by managerial changes, with the club going through three different managers throughout the season.

The potential signings of Ekwah and Ballard could indeed be advantageous moves for Ipswich to make this summer. Both players have showcased their talent in the Championship at a relatively early stage in their careers, indicating their potential to transition to the Premier League in due course.

Their arrival could offer valuable contributions to the Tractor Boys as they return to the top-flight next season. Moreover, even if Ipswich were to face challenges in the Premier League in 2024/25, both players could still prove instrumental in the Championship, aiding the club’s efforts to bounce back.

Considering the anticipated financial boost and heightened expectations surrounding Portman Road following promotion, Ekwah and Ballard may now be viewed as financially feasible targets for Ipswich.

Given these factors, pursuing deals for the Sunderland duo appears to be a prudent move for Ipswich Town during the upcoming summer transfer window.