Ipswich Town Urged to Target Sassuolo’s Josh Doig as Left-Back Reinforcement
Ipswich Town may need to dip back into the transfer market as left-back depth becomes a growing concern for Kieran McKenna’s side.
The Tractor Boys have been fortunate to rely on the ever-consistent Leif Davis, now entering his fourth season with the club. Davis’ attacking flair and defensive reliability have made him one of the first names on McKenna’s team sheet. Still, with the squad stretched thin in that position, questions over cover are beginning to loom.
Last summer, Town brought in Conor Townsend from West Brom to add valuable experience and competition. However, his Ipswich career has barely taken off. After making just six league appearances last season, Townsend suffered a devastating ACL injury during pre-season. Following successful surgery, he is now expected to miss the entire campaign, according to reports from TWTD.
That leaves Ipswich light in a crucial area of the pitch. If Davis were to pick up an injury, McKenna would be short of natural alternatives at left-back. With the transfer window edging towards its conclusion, reinforcements may be necessary—and Josh Doig of Sassuolo looks like an ideal candidate.
Why Josh Doig Fits the Bill
At just 23, Doig has already amassed experience across the Scottish Premiership, Serie A, and Serie B. After coming through the ranks at Hibernian, he moved to Italy where he impressed with Hellas Verona before sealing a switch to Sassuolo.
Last season, he played a pivotal role in Sassuolo’s promotion campaign, making 29 league appearances with a goal and an assist to his name. His blend of defensive solidity and attacking ambition mirrors Davis’ style, making him a natural fit for McKenna’s progressive full-back system.
Crucially, Doig has already shown glimpses of his offensive quality this term—scoring the decisive goal with a smartly taken volley in Sassuolo’s Coppa Italia win over Catanzaro. His ability to push forward, overlap, and deliver dangerous crosses has been a hallmark of his game, whether at Verona or now with Sassuolo.
Healthy Competition for Davis
Replacing Davis outright would be a near-impossible task given his influence, but Doig could provide the competition and cover that McKenna currently lacks. Having two adventurous, attack-minded left-backs would not only offer security against injuries but also give Ipswich flexibility in rotation as the season wears on.
The Scot’s skill set closely resembles Davis’, with both players thriving in advanced areas, stretching opposition defences, and creating chances from wide positions. For a side looking to establish itself at the top level, that kind of depth could prove invaluable.
The One Caveat
One minor concern around Doig is his injury record. While at Verona, he did endure spells on the sidelines due to a couple of minor issues. However, at 23, he has plenty of time to grow stronger physically, and his record does not raise any major red flags.
Given his proven ability in two different European leagues and his upward trajectory, his profile far outweighs the risks.
A Smart Move Waiting to Happen
With Townsend sidelined long-term and Ipswich’s left-back options looking dangerously thin, McKenna faces a decision. Josh Doig represents exactly the kind of signing that could bolster Ipswich’s defensive depth while maintaining the attacking thrust that has become a hallmark of their play.
Dynamic, experienced beyond his years, and still developing, Doig could be the smart business that keeps Ipswich competitive and secure for the rest of the season.
Verdict: Ipswich should make their move before the window shuts.
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