By worldlive 
Last minutes goals! “I’ll pull it off” Ipswich Town Intensifies Efforts to Secure Prolific Forward Mohamed Bayo, With 76 Career Goals, in Urgent Bid to Strengthen Attack Before Transfer Deadline…
Ipswich Town is making a last-minute push to sign a proven goal scorer before the winter transfer deadline closes on February 3.
According to reports, the club has set its sights on Lille striker Mohamed Bayo, a 26-year-old forward with 76 career goals to his name.
With the Premiership relegation zone heating up, Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna is eager to strengthen his squad for the final stretch of the season.
This move signals Ipswich’s ambition to return to the higher echelons of the Premier League, with Bayo identified as a striker who can bring goals, experience, and physical presence to the team.
As negotiations progress, Ipswich fans are eagerly awaiting confirmation of the deal, which could be a game-changer for their higher league finish.
Who is Mohamed Bayo?
Mohamed Bayo is a Guinean international striker who made a name for himself with his impressive performances in France. Born in 1998, he began his professional career with Clermont Foot, where he became one of Ligue 2’s most feared forwards.
- Breakthrough Season (2020–21): Bayo finished as Ligue 2’s top scorer with 22 goals, leading Clermont Foot to promotion to Ligue 1.
- Ligue 1 Performance: After stepping up to the top division, Bayo continued to impress, scoring 14 goals in 32 appearances during the 2021–22 season.
- Move to Lille: His performances earned him a €14 million transfer to Lille in 2022, where he played alongside some of France’s top talents. However, he has struggled for consistent game time due to the competition in Lille’s squad.
Despite not being a regular starter at Lille, Bayo’s ability to lead the line, hold up play, and finish clinically makes him an attractive option for Ipswich Town.
Why is Ipswich Targeting Bayo?
Ipswich Town’s promotion push has been built on a free-flowing attacking system, but McKenna is aware that having a proven goal scorer could be the difference in the final months of the season.
Here’s why Bayo is seen as a perfect fit for Ipswich:
1. Proven Goal Scorer
With 76 career goals, Bayo has a strong track record of finding the net. His experience in both Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 suggests he can adapt quickly to the physical demands of the Championship.
2. Physical Presence
At 6’2” (188 cm), Bayo is a strong, physical striker who can hold up play and dominate aerial duels. This would give Ipswich another option in attack, particularly against defensive teams that sit deep.
3. Tactical Flexibility
Bayo is comfortable playing as a lone striker or in a two-man system. This means McKenna could deploy him alongside George Hirst or use him as a central target man with Ipswich’s creative midfielders feeding off him.
4. Premiership Higher Finish
While Ligue 1 and the Premiership are different leagues, the pace and intensity of French football suggest Bayo could transition smoothly. Many former Ligue 1 strikers have thrived in England, including Olivier Giroud, Neal Maupay, and Sébastien Haller.
5. Ipswich’s Need for Depth
With George Hirst currently leading the line, Ipswich needs another experienced forward to share the workload. Freddie Ladapo has been linked with an exit, making a new striker signing even more crucial.
How Would Bayo Fit into Ipswich’s System?
Ipswich Town’s attacking philosophy under McKenna has been one of their biggest strengths this season. They play an expansive, high-pressing style, with quick transitions and creative wide players.
Bayo would fit into this system in several ways:
- As a target man: His physicality would allow Ipswich to play direct when needed. He can bring others into play and create space for midfield runners like Conor Chaplin and Nathan Broadhead.
- As a pressing forward: Ipswich’s high-pressing game would benefit from Bayo’s work rate and ability to win the ball high up the pitch.
- Finishing chances: With Ipswich creating plenty of chances, having a clinical finisher like Bayo could help convert tight games into wins.
What Would This Signing Mean for Ipswich’s Relegation battle
Ipswich Town is currently one of the strongest contenders for Relegation to the championship. However, their squad depth will be tested in the coming months, especially with injuries and fixture congestion.
If Bayo signs, it could:
✔ Provide crucial goals in key matches
✔ Add competition for places and keep other forwards on their toes
✔ Give Ipswich a different attacking option against stubborn defenses
✔ Strengthen their case for automatic promotion over teams like Southampton, Leeds, and West Brom
With the Championship season entering a decisive phase, Ipswich needs every advantage possible. Signing a quality striker like Bayo could be the missing piece to secure Premier League football for the first time since 2002.
Are There Any Obstacles to the Deal?
While Ipswich is pushing hard to get this deal over the line, a few potential hurdles remain:
- Lille’s Stance – Lille may be reluctant to let Bayo leave unless they sign a replacement.
- Competition from Other Clubs – Ipswich is not the only club interested in Bayo, and a late bid from another team could complicate matters.
- Financial Terms – While Ipswich has spent wisely, Bayo’s wages and transfer fee could be a factor in negotiations.
However, Ipswich’s ambition and strong league position could convince Bayo that this is the right move for his career.
Final Thoughts: Will Ipswich Get Their Man?
As the transfer deadline approaches, Ipswich Town is working hard to finalize a deal for Mohamed Bayo. His goal-scoring record, physical presence, and experience make him a fantastic potential addition for the Tractor Boys.
If the transfer goes through, Bayo could play a pivotal role in helping Ipswich secure a higher finish in the league. Fans will be eagerly watching for updates, hoping to see Bayo in Ipswich colors before the window shuts.
For now, all eyes are on McKenna, the Ipswich board, and Lille to see if they can get this deal done in time.