Artificial Intelligence is seeping into every part of today's society - so why not get it involved in recruiting players for Ipswich Town this summer?
Chairman Mark Ashton is very fond of his data dashboards, after all, and more and more clubs are apparently relying on algorithms and formulas to sort the wheat from the footballing chaff, rather than the good old-fashioned eye test.
Mark Ashton loves a data dashboard (Image: PA) With that in mind, Chat GPT was asked to identify three players whom Town should target this summer window.
AceOdds.com quizzed it about each Championship club, what weaknesses they have in their current squad, and to suggest some realistic signings they could make to address those issues.
So let's have a look - and offer our verdict...
The trio it suggested for Town (and why) are:
Town have already been linked with Chelsea Marc Guiu (Image: PA) Marc Guiu (striker, Chelsea)
"Guiu will reinforce the frontline following the departure of Liam Delap. His pace and instincts align with Ipswich’s counter-attacking style, and he brings a dynamic edge up front, ensuring goals in Delap’s absence."
Alfie Doughty was relegated with Luton - would he appeal to Town? (Image: PA) Alfie Doughty (midfielder, Luton Town)
"Doughty is a versatile right-sided wing-back or winger, who is strong in both defence and attack. He’ll add energy, creativity, and delivery down the flank and his familiarity with Championship demands ensures quick adaptation."
Jonathan Varane appears to be a man in demand this summer (Image: PA) Jonathan Varane (midfielder, QPR)
"Varane is a tall, box-to-box midfielder known for his energy, ball-winning, and progressive runs. He would add a much-needed physical presence to Ipswich, balancing the midfield and addressing a clear area of weakness. He would enhance both defensive cover and transitional play - critical for Ipswich who are aiming to be more robust in central areas."
The all-seeing AI also suggested that Town's Championship rivals target a couple of their players too.
They were (and why)...
AI thinks Leicester City should target Jacob Greaves (Image: Ross Halls) Jacob Greaves (Leicester City)
"Greaves has consistently been a top defender, specialising in clearances, blocks, and aerial duels - ideal to fix Leicester’s set-piece vulnerability. He is comfortable in possession and would be able to contribute to their build-up play. At 24, he offers both immediate impact and resale potential."
Harry Clarke spent time away from Suffolk on loan at Sheffield United last season (Image: PA) Harry Clarke (Swansea City)
"Clarke is an experienced full back, excellent passer, and is dominant in the air. Naturally suited to a possession-heavy system, he would fit perfectly with Swansea City. He’d provide both composure in build-up play and physical dominance, helping Swansea defeat set-pieces better while playing out from the back."
VERDICT
Given AI trawls the web for knowledge, it's no surprise that Chelsea striker Guiu - a man already linked with the Blues this summer - is on its list.
Town will clearly need to add at least one striker this summer - ideally two - after the departure of £30m man Liam Delap.
Midfield is also an area the club will surely look at, given the sad farewell of double-promotion hero Massimo Luongo and the departures of loanees Kalvin Phillips and Jens Cajuste.
Town will certainly need to add strikers after the loss of Liam Delap this summer (Image: Ross Halls) Whether Varane, the apparent subject of recent bids from Espanyol, FC Basel and Rapid Vienna, would appeal to the Blues remains to be seen.
The 23-year-old, who signed from Sporting Gijon last summer, has impressed at Loftus Road, but he may look to stay with the R's if they appoint fellow Frenchman Julien Stephan as their manager.
Doughty, on the other hand, is actually more of a left-back, although he has played in a few different positions during his time at Kenilworth Road. Valued at €6.5m by Transfermarkt, he'll surely be looking to move on after Luton's relegation to League One.
Middlesbrough - ready to announce ex-Hatter Rob Edwards as their new boss - reportedly have eyes on the 25-year-old, who has struggled to build on his impressive Premier League form from 2023/24.
When it comes to exits, there's more chance of Leicester signing Jimmy Greaves this summer than Town letting Jacob go, especially given the recent departure of Cameron Burgess.
You'd imagine Clarke, however, may be allowed to depart - although clearly a lot depends on whether Axel Tuanzebe decides to sign a new deal in Suffolk.
So overall, a solid hit for AI with Guiu, plus a titanic miss with the idea that Greaves would be allowed to leave Suffolk - and sign for a direct promotion rival. No chance, you silly computer.
If you'd like to have a browse of some more serious potential Town targets, picked out by our own Alex Jones - a man who watches more football than even AI could manage - you can do so here ⬇️
These are eight strikers Alex thinks could fit the bill, plus eight midfielders who might help with the expected summer revamp of the engine room.