Target: Premier League survival

O'Neil returns to the Premier League after an 18-month absence, having left Wolverhampton Wanderers in December 2024. Ipswich are expected to back him in the transfer market as the club targets survival, with the aim of competing with the sides in the lower half of the table.

Club insiders believe Ipswich are better prepared for life in the top flight now than they were during their first return under McKenna. O'Neil sought assurances over recruitment and spending before agreeing to the move, with Ipswich's ownership — linked to BlueCo, the consortium that also controls Chelsea — ultimately releasing him from his commitments in France despite preferring he stay.

Ipswich open their Premier League campaign at home to Sunderland on 22 August.