Janoi Donacien’s Ipswich Town contract is about to expire, and it doesn’t seem probable that a new term will be negotiated.
Prior to the move being permanent the following summer, the 30-year-old originally joined the Tractor Boys in the summer of 2018.
At the end of 2021, he then agreed to a two-year deal, which could be extended for an additional year and was activated at the conclusion of the previous season.
But with injuries keeping them off the pitch this season and them dropping down the Kieran McKenna hierarchy, it appears unlikely that a completely new contract would be reached by the end of the current campaign.
Extension has not been fruitful, further deal seems unlikely
It made sense to extend Donacien’s current contract because he is such a versatile defender. However, since that clause was activated, the St. Lucia international has hardly been available for selection, and in just a few months, the team has gone from being a recently promoted League One team to a contender for a Premier League spot.
He has only made four appearances this season, all of which have come in the early going. He has missed the remaining games due to injuries, but it’s possible that he has found it difficult to hold down a regular spot in the starting lineup in any event.
Manager McKenna’s most recent report stated that the full-back underwent surgery on his “adductor area” at the start of February. Given his recuperation period, they are optimistic that the player will be able to play again by the end of the season.
It’s unclear if that will give Donacien enough time to have an effect, but a truly outstanding performance would be required to declare this season’s extension a success.
Promotion is on the cards with youngsters coming through
Harry Clarke, who was signed in January of last year, has solidified his spot at right back during Donacien’s absence and has started 23 Championship games so far this season.
Axel Tuanzebe, a graduate of the Manchester United academy, and Brandon Williams, who has also played right-back at times this season and is now on loan from United with the option to make that arrangement permanent at the end of this campaign, are further players the club has at their disposal.
Given that the Tractor Boys are currently favoured to advance, having enjoyed a strong run of form at the ideal time and level with Leeds United in second place, it appears unlikely that 30-year-old Donacien would be able to regain his starting spot in the squad against a plethora of younger players in a higher league.
Even if Ipswich stays in the Championship, it’s possible that McKenna would value his expertise and familiarity with the club if they went through that transition in the summer. However, the most likely scenario would be for the right-back to leave the team as a free agent this summer.
Donacien has been a great servant, but it may be time for a new challenge
Donacien has made 127 appearances for the Tractor Boys since joining the team in 2018 and has supported them during their fight to return to the Championship. During that time, he has contributed nine assists.
If he leaves Portman Road this summer, the club will remember him for his noteworthy achievements, particularly his 38 league games in the previous year that saw his team return to the Championship.
He would have a difficult time regaining his spot in the team given how quickly the club has expanded and how likely it is that they will move past the right-back, particularly if they are promoted to the Premier League.
Donacien, who is 30 years old, has enough playing experience and years left to make him a desirable offer to another Football League team. At this point in his career, he might determine that looking into such choices is the wisest course of action.
Decisions regarding Donacien and Ipswich will need to be taken this summer; the location of that is currently unknown.
