Ipswich Town Extend Marcelino Núñez’s Deal After City’s Third Straight Away Victory
Ipswich Town have moved swiftly to secure the services of influential midfielder Marcelino Núñez, handing him a substantial new contract shortly after his standout performance helped the Tractor Boys grab a third consecutive win on the road in the Sky Bet Championship. The Chilean playmaker, who made the controversial £10 million switch from Norwich City in the summer, has quickly become central to Ipswich’s resurgence, combining technical brilliance with deadly set-piece delivery. His contributions have been pivotal in lifting Town into fourth place, firmly placing them in the promotion conversation just 17 matches into the campaign.
The club confirmed the news through its official channels late on Tuesday night, announcing that Núñez’s deal — originally signed in August — has now been extended by two more years. The new agreement also includes a notable wage increase and performance-based bonuses linked to both promotion and personal milestones. Insiders at Portman Road suggest the 25-year-old is now earning in excess of £25,000 per week, underlining his importance both on the pitch and among supporters.
“Marcelino has been outstanding from the moment he arrived,” manager Kieran McKenna said. “His attitude, his creativity, and his left foot are priceless. This contract is about planning for the future and continuing to build something special at this club.”
Núñez’s latest contribution came on Monday evening at the MKM Stadium, where Ipswich secured a gritty 2-0 win against Hull City. The match had all the hallmarks of another frustrating away stalemate, with a cagey first half played in difficult conditions. Hull, led by former Ipswich-linked boss Tim Walter, applied relentless pressure with an aggressive midfield and high defensive line. Town goalkeeper Václav Hladký was called into action early, denying efforts from Regan Slater and Aaron Connolly as the hosts searched for a breakthrough.
However, in the 69th minute, Núñez changed the game. Introduced as a substitute alongside Jaden Philogene and Chuba Akpom, the midfielder made an instant impact. With his first significant involvement, he met Philogene’s looping cross and guided a powerful header past Ivor Pandur. It marked his third goal of the season and his first with his head, stunning the home crowd and sparking celebrations among the travelling fans. Moments later, Akpom capitalised on a rebound to make it 2-0, but Núñez’s moment of brilliance had already swung the contest.
This victory completed Ipswich’s third straight away success — a remarkable turnaround for a team that struggled on the road in recent times. The run began at Loftus Road, where Ipswich demolished QPR 4-1 with a performance full of flair and authority. Núñez stole the show that afternoon with two superb free-kicks, one from 25 yards and another from even further out, both finding the top corner beyond Paul Nardi. Supported by George Hirst’s brace, Ipswich delivered a statement performance that signalled their credentials as genuine promotion challengers.
“His free-kicks were elite,” McKenna said afterwards. “He doesn’t just place the ball — he controls moments.”
Two weeks later, the momentum continued at the Kassam Stadium, where Ipswich overcame Oxford United 3-1. This time starting, Núñez dictated play from midfield, threading a perfectly weighted pass for Hirst’s opener and later calmly converting a penalty after a foul on Philogene. Despite Mark Harris pulling one back for Oxford, Ipswich’s defensive unit, led by Cédric Kipré, held firm under pressure. Three away games, nine goals scored, two conceded — numbers that have silenced criticism about Town’s ability to perform outside Portman Road.
Núñez’s rise has not been simple. Raised in Arica, Chile, he developed his game at Universidad de Chile before impressing at Audax Italiano and earning a move to Norwich City in 2022 for £2.5 million. Despite flashes of quality, injuries and tactical issues limited his impact there. Ironically, one of his most memorable moments for the Canaries came with a stoppage-time winner against Ipswich in the 2024 East Anglian derby. By the summer of 2025, however, with Norwich struggling near the foot of the table, Núñez sought a fresh start. Ipswich, newly relegated and eager to rebuild, offered him exactly that.
The transfer ignited fierce debate. For £10 million — a Championship club-record fee for Town — Núñez crossed the bitter East Anglian divide. Norwich supporters felt betrayed, while Ipswich fans celebrated the capture of a proven rival talent. Though his debut in a 1-1 draw against Blackburn was quiet, his defining moment arrived during the October derby at Portman Road. After Ipswich overturned a deficit to beat Norwich 3-1, Núñez assisted Jack Clarke’s goal from a dangerous corner. His provocative post-match celebrations, including parading a corner flag in front of the North Stand, only deepened his status as a divisive but iconic figure.
That win sparked his season into life. Since then, he has featured regularly, recording three goals and five assists, while becoming a consistent threat from dead-ball situations. His delivery from corners and free-kicks has transformed Ipswich into one of the league’s most dangerous set-piece sides. Statistically, he ranks among the Championship’s elite in chance creation and expected assists, but his value extends beyond numbers. His leadership, pressing contributions, and tactical intelligence have allowed players like Philogene and Clarke greater freedom in wide areas.
Ipswich’s 2025–26 season has developed into a story of revival. Following relegation from the Premier League, McKenna has overseen a rebuild that’s balanced experience with flair. Departures, including captain Sam Morsy, left gaps, but arrivals like Núñez, Philogene, and Akpom have reshaped the team’s identity. After a cautious start, Town now sit unbeaten in eight matches, boasting one of the meanest defences in the division and a potent attack to match.
Their away form has been particularly impressive. After winning just once on the road in the Premier League last season, Ipswich are now unbeaten in six away games, showing a blend of toughness and efficiency. Teammates have been quick to praise Núñez’s influence.
“He brings something special,” George Hirst told Sky Sports. “His vision is on another level. And his free-kicks? They feel like penalties.”
For Núñez himself, the new deal represents a sense of belonging and redemption.
“I feel at home here,” he said in a club interview. “The supporters, the spirit in this group — it’s exactly what I wanted. Everything we’re doing is for them.”
Chile head coach Ricardo Gareca has also commended his progress, suggesting he is firmly back in contention for international duties, a sign of how far his reputation has rebounded.
With Ipswich now fourth, six points behind league leaders Leeds United, belief is growing. A busy festive schedule, including fixtures against Middlesbrough and Sunderland, will test their credentials, but confidence remains high. By tying Núñez down to a longer contract, Ipswich have sent a clear message: this is a long-term project built around a player entering his prime.
This run of away victories is no accident — it’s the result of discipline, tactical clarity, and a midfielder who has become the heartbeat of the team. As Ipswich continue their push toward promotion, one truth stands firm: Marcelino Núñez is at the centre of their momentum, and he shows no sign of slowing down.