Town have confirmed that midfielder Emyr Huws has rejoined the Blues from Cardiff City on a permanent basis, signing a four-year deal. Last night, TWTD revealed that Huws’s return to Town was set to be completed today.
We understand the fee, while officially undisclosed, is approaching £1 million, just below the figure paid to Rangers for striker Joe Garner earlier this month.
The Wales international enjoyed a hugely successful loan spell at Portman Road during the second half of last season, scoring three goals in 13 starts.
"We are delighted to have got the deal done. I’m sure the fans are thrilled as well,” boss Mick McCarthy told the club site.
"Emyr was outstanding for us last season. He was arguably our best player along with Tom Lawrence and he certainly made us a better team.
"He’s only 23 so there is improvement in him. I’m sure other clubs would have been interested in him but we’re delighted he’s back with us. He was different class when he was here.”
Huws himself added: "I'm really happy to get it done and I'm delighted to sign up here.
"It took a bit longer than expected but I'm really happy to get it all sorted. Now I'm looking forward to getting back and the season ahead.
"The fans were great with me last season, and were very positive towards me. I appreciate that support and I'm looking forward to playing in front of them again for Ipswich Town."
Huws played youth football with Swansea and then Manchester City, where he made one senior sub appearance.
While with City he spent time on loan at Northampton, Birmingham and Wigan before joining the Latics on a permanent basis in 2014.
Extremely happy to join @Official_ITFC on a permanent deal. Looking forward to the season with the tractor boys 🚜💨🤙🻖 Emyr Huws (@EmyrHuws1) June 28, 2017
A spell on loan at Huddersfield followed last season before he moved to Cardiff on a permanent basis last summer signing a three-year deal but made only two starts and two sub appearances for the Bluebirds.
Firmly out of Cardiff manager Neil Warnock's plans, he took a pay cut to join Town on loan in January in order to play first team football.
Llanelli-born Huws has been capped 11 times by Wales at full level, scoring one goal, in addition to appearances at U17, U19 and U21 levels.
ðŸ"½ï¸ | #itfc's latest addition, @EmyrHuws1 speaks exclusively to iFollow Ipswich to discuss his move to Portman Road #AnnounceHuws pic.twitter.com/cjQ9GQSC9L
— Ipswich Town FC (@Official_ITFC) June 28, 2017
Meanwhile, former Norwich striker Kyle Lafferty, who was recently linked with the Blues, has joined Scottish Premiership side Hearts.
Ex-Blues frontman Jack Marriott has moved from Town's Carabao Cup opponents Luton to Peterborough United. The 22-year-old was released by the Blues in the summer of 2015 having come through the academy.
#AnnounceHuws...@Official_ITFC ðŸ"âš½ï¸ðŸ™ŒðŸ» pic.twitter.com/rCrHgaIKhd– Emyr Huws (@EmyrHuws1) June 28, 2017