Ipswich Town have made a significant signing by acquiring Sammie Szmodics from Blackburn Rovers for an initial fee of £9 million, plus add-ons. The 28-year-old has signed a four-year deal with the club. In order to evaluate this transfer, our experts at The Athletic have come together to rate this summer’s Premier League transfers in five categories, resulting in a total score out of 500. Let’s take a closer look at how Szmodics fared in these evaluations.
Tactical Fit:
According to our tactical expert, Szmodics is primarily an attacking midfielder who occasionally plays as a second striker. His scoring ability is impressive, averaging 0.6 non-penalty goals per 90 minutes, placing him in the top three percent among his positional peers. He also takes 3.3 shots per game, ranking in the 94th percentile. Szmodics excels at finishing, particularly in the bottom right corner of the goal. He is skilled at retaining possession under pressure and has a knack for exploiting spaces in the defense. His quickness and intelligent runs make him dangerous in transition. His skill set aligns well with Ipswich’s tactical system, allowing him to fit in seamlessly.
Season Rating:
Based on statistics from The Athletic’s data team, Szmodics had an outstanding season in the Championship with Blackburn. He scored 27 goals in 44 league appearances, playing a crucial role in helping the team avoid relegation. He was selected for the EFL Championship Team of the Season and received accolades from Blackburn supporters and players. His impressive performances earned him a debut for the Republic of Ireland as well. It’s clear that Szmodics had a memorable season and his progression to the Premier League was well-deserved.
Gaming Rating:
According to Football Manager 2024’s data, Szmodics is rated highly in terms of both current and potential ability. With a current ability rating of 130 out of 200, he is on par with players like Fabio Carvalho and Ben Brereton Diaz. Although his potential ceiling is not expected to increase significantly due to his age, there is still room for improvement. Ipswich can rely on Szmodics to make an impact from attacking midfield.
Financial Value Rating:
In terms of market value, the £9 million fee for Szmodics appears to be an excellent deal. His exceptional performances in the Championship and his strong start in the Premier League indicate that he can handle the step up in competition. Ipswich has made a significant investment in their squad this season, and Szmodics’ Championship pedigree and suitability to the team make him a valuable addition. The four-year contract also makes sense, allowing Ipswich to benefit from his prime years.
Risk or Reward:
While there is always a risk when a player transitions to a higher level of competition, Ipswich fans have reasons to be optimistic about Szmodics’ signing. He played a crucial role in Blackburn’s survival in the Championship and provides important depth in the attacking-midfield position. However, there is some risk involved due to Szmodics’ age and previous struggles in the Championship. Nevertheless, he has demonstrated his quality and has a commendable injury record, giving him every opportunity to succeed in the Premier League.
Overall Rating:
Taking all the evaluations into account, Szmodics receives an overall rating of 353 out of 500. This score reflects his tactical fit, impressive season performances, gaming rating, financial value, and risk-reward balance. Ipswich Town has made a significant signing in Szmodics, and he has the potential to make a positive impact on the team’s performance in the Premier League.