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Bristol City target Ipswich defender Harry ClarkeBristol City are pursuing Ipswich Town right-back Harry Clarke as new manager Michael Skubala reshapes the squad. The move comes amid uncertainty over Ross McCrorie's future, with the Scotland international entering the final year of his contract./images/2026/06/bristol-city-target-ipswich-defender-harry-clarke-8e7e45c8-800w.webpBristol City target Ipswich defender Harry Clarke

Bristol City target Ipswich defender Harry Clarke

Updated 1 min read
Harry Clarke in action for Ipswich Town during a Championship match, wearing blue kit.

Short overview

Bristol City are pursuing Ipswich Town right-back Harry Clarke as new manager Michael Skubala reshapes the squad. The move comes amid uncertainty over Ross McCrorie's future, with the Scotland international entering the final year of his contract.

Bristol City have identified Ipswich Town defender Harry Clarke as a primary transfer target as new manager Michael Skubala begins reshaping the squad at Ashton Gate. The Robins are seeking to bolster their right-back options, with doubts surrounding the future of current incumbent Ross McCrorie.

McCrorie's uncertain future

Scotland international McCrorie has 12 months remaining on his contract and has yet to agree to an extension. The 26-year-old has attracted interest from clubs in both the Championship and Europe, leaving Bristol City wary of losing him on a free transfer. The situation mirrors previous cases involving Zak Vyner and Anis Mehmeti, who both entered the final year of their deals last summer before being sold at cut-price fees in the winter window. Vyner joined Wrexham, while Mehmeti moved to Ipswich.

Clarke's profile and career

Clarke, 25, spent the second half of last season on loan at Charlton Athletic, where he made 19 appearances. Prior to that, he had a loan spell at Sheffield United during the 2024-25 campaign. The right-back joined Ipswich from Arsenal in January 2023 and has since made 67 appearances for the Tractor Boys, scoring once. He played a key role in Ipswich's promotion to the Premier League in the 2023-24 season, featuring in 39 matches across all competitions, and also contributed to their promotion from League One the previous campaign.

Bristol City's interest in Clarke signals Skubala's intent to strengthen defensive options as he prepares for his first full season in charge. The club will need to negotiate a fee with Ipswich, who may be open to a deal given Clarke's limited first-team opportunities at Portman Road.

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