Former Blue Eyed for Portman Road Return

Former Blue Eyed for Portman Road Return

Luton Town defender Marc McGuinness has become a prime target for Ipswich Town in a race to replace the potentially outgoing Luke Woolfenden, Football League World reports.

Woolfenden, who has been at the club since the age of 11, is closing in on a move to Coventry City, leaving the Tractor Boys with a matter of hours to find a sufficient replacement. The 26-year-old has fallen out of favour at Portman Road, finding himself benched with zero minutes in Ipswich’s opening four Championship fixtures.

🚨 EXCLUSIVE 🚨

Ipswich Town are plotting a shock late swoop to sign former loanee Mark McGuinness from Luton Town 🔁

Full story 👇https://t.co/q8LzENeW1K#LTFC #COYH #ITFC

— Football League World (@FootballLeagueW) September 1, 2025

Woolfenden Replacement

Woolfenden made 16 Premier League appearances last season, finding himself behind Dara O’Shea and Jacob Greaves in the centre-half pecking order, a scenario which has rolled over to the 2025/26 campaign.

McGuinness has played every minute of Luton’s last five fixtures, joining the Hatters upon their relegation to the Championship a year ago. The defender could never have guessed he would be playing League One football 12 months later, and with over 100 second-tier appearances to his name, a return to the Championship was always expected.

Coming through the ranks at Arsenal, McGuinness ranked as one of the best defenders for aerial duels won in the Championship last season (5.16 per 90). His performances earned him a Republic of Ireland call-up in November 2024.

Portman Road is familiar territory for the Irish international; the defender spent the 2020/21 season on loan at Ipswich Town from Arsenal. His spell in League One grabbed the attention of eventual buyers, Cardiff City.

✍️ Welcome to Town, Mark McGuinness!#itfc | @MarkMcguinness0 pic.twitter.com/6JngpFVzWE

— Ipswich Town (@IpswichTown) September 22, 2020

Whilst not the most eye-catching of transfers, McGuinness’ return to Ipswich would be a full circle moment for the player. The valuation of his transfer is yet to be revealed; however, it was reported that his move to Luton Town 12 months ago ended up costing the club around the region of £10 million.