Ipswich Town have announced that forward, Conor Chaplin will depart the club upon expiry of his contract on 30 June 2026.
Chaplin joined the Tractor Boys from Barnsley in July 2021 and has gone on to score 55 goals in 174 appearances, but spent this season on loan at his first senior club – Portsmouth where he managed two goals in 37 appearances.
The 29-year-old was part of Ipswich’s double promotion-winning squad which was promoted from League One to Championship in 2023, then into the Premier League a year later but were relegated back to the second tier after just one season back in the top flight.
Chaplin issued a farewell statement on itfc.co.uk in which he described his five years at Portman Road as having “… been the best period of my life,” as he reflected on his time at the club.
“We have achieved so much together, and my dreams have come true while playing for the club. I have made friends for life here, my two children were born here, and I will simply never forget my time at Ipswich.
“On the pitch, winning two promotions and then playing in the Premier League is something everyone should be so proud of. I’m also incredibly proud of the work we have been able to do together at the Foundation – the impact the club makes in the community is a big part of why Ipswich Town is so special.
“There are so many people to thank, led by Kieran McKenna and Mark Ashton, who have put their trust in me and helped us all achieve so much together. I’d also like to thank all the coaches and staff at the training ground, who work so hard and selflessly every single day, making so many sacrifices in order for us to achieve our goals.
“A huge thanks goes to the supporters who have been incredible with me and my family since the day I arrived. I will never forget everything we have achieved together and I hope there is so much more to celebrate in the future.
“I will miss you all very much, but I’m so happy that I leave at a time when the club is back in the Premier League. I’ll be supporting from wherever my career takes me next and I am sure I will see you all soon.
“Thank you for everything.”
Manager, Kieran McKenna added: “Conor has been a massive part of the growth and success of the football club during his time here.
“Of course, his outstanding goalscoring and all-round performances have contributed to so many great victories and moments in the club’s history. But, beyond that, his professionalism, desire, empathy and leadership have been a vital part of the culture built at the football club over recent seasons.
“He leaves with our gratitude and fullest respect, and we wish him well in the next steps in his career.”
Ipswich’s Chairman, Mark Ashton hailed Chaplin as “a fantastic representative” of the club on and off the pitch, given his involvement in the club’s foundation as a trustee.
“Conor has been a fantastic representative for this football club throughout his time here.
“Supporters will know the quality he has brought as a player, with so many memorable moments on the pitch as a vital member of a group who will go down in club history.
“But his contribution off the pitch has also been hugely significant, most notably as a Foundation Trustee – a role I know has been hugely important to him. He has simply set the standard for player engagement with the community around this football club.
“He will be missed by all at the club as he takes the next step in his career, and he and his family depart with the best wishes of everyone at Ipswich Town.”
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