Town manager Kieran McKenna says he would have liked to have kept Nathan Broadhead at Portman Road but that the Wales international made it clear early in the summer he’d like to move on to Wrexham.
Broadhead, 27, signed for the Red Dragons yesterday, the clubs having agreed a £7.5 million fee, plus further top-ups of £2.5 million.
"A player that we would like to have had here this year, there’s no doubt about it,” McKenna said. "A high-quality player, someone who's had a really good experience with us over the last couple of years.
"Nathan made it clear from the early part of pre-season that he'd had an offer from a club, and an incredible contract offer really for his personal situation.
"So, I fully understand his desire to take that opportunity and it's a club close to home that he has an affinity to. I understand all aspects of that. So, from his point of view, it was a transfer that he wanted to happen.
"He sort of made that clear right the way through pre-season. So in the end it was a difficult situation to go in another direction.
"Of course, he's on a contract here and he's an important member of the squad and we'd like to have kept him.
"But in the end, it wasn't possible. His desire to leave was really, really strong and he makes the move to Wrexham.
"He goes with fond memories of his time at the club. I know all the supporters will wish him well.
"I'm disappointed with how it came about in some ways, but at the same time it's a really fantastic deal for Nathan. It's a good deal for the club in terms of return on what was invested in the player.
"And he'll go with a lot of people here's best wishes. And for us, it's about trying to replace that quality and still have a really good season.”