Report: Kieran McKenna dropped rare Ipswich Town transfer blunder with Plymouth Argyle deal
In an otherwise near-flawless rise as Ipswich Town boss, Kieran McKenna may have made a rare misstep in the transfer market — and it’s one that could come back to bite him. The decision in question? Sanctioning a move involving Plymouth Argyle that’s now drawing criticism from some corners of the Ipswich fanbase.
The player at the centre of this debate is midfielder Panutche Camará, who had been tipped to be a key figure under McKenna when he first arrived at Portman Road. However, after a long-term injury and limited appearances, Camará was allowed to depart for Plymouth Argyle — the club from which he initially arrived. What seemed at the time to be a logical, mutually beneficial move has taken on new significance as Camará begins to shine once again.
Camará, 27, had struggled with fitness and form during his time at Ipswich, but he has enjoyed a revival at Plymouth. Under new management, the midfielder has returned to his high-energy, box-to-box best, becoming a crucial piece of the Pilgrims’ puzzle. His recent performances have included dominant midfield displays, match-winning tackles, and a growing leadership presence — all traits that McKenna could arguably use in Ipswich’s own midfield setup.
For Ipswich fans, the frustration doesn’t just come from Camará’s individual resurgence. It stems from the sense that McKenna, a manager lauded for his eye for talent and player development, may have misjudged the midfielder’s potential role in Town’s push for Premier League promotion. With Ipswich still in need of depth and energy in central areas — particularly in high-stakes games — the decision to let go of a now-thriving asset seems, in hindsight, questionable.
It’s also notable that Camará’s exit came without much fanfare or clear indication that he had future potential at Ipswich. The deal, which reportedly involved minimal fee negotiation and few performance-related clauses, now appears to have been done more to offload than to gain. In an era where smart recruitment and resource management are essential for ambitious Championship clubs, this has raised eyebrows among analysts and supporters alike.
Still, it’s important to frame this moment as the exception rather than the rule. McKenna’s overall transfer record at Portman Road has been widely praised. From the acquisition of Conor Chaplin to the development of Leif Davis and George Hirst, his recruitment decisions have mostly propelled the team forward. Yet, as the stakes rise and Ipswich strive to secure promotion, even the smallest missteps are amplified.
McKenna is known for his meticulous approach, and it’s likely he’ll be the first to reflect critically on this transfer decision. Camará’s resurgence at Plymouth may be a one-off spark — or it may grow into something more sustained. Either way, it’s a reminder that in football, timing and patience are everything — and that even the brightest managers are occasionally caught out by a player’s unexpected second act.
