Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna is exploring a move for Nemanja Matic (Image: Getty)
are reportedly exploring a potential deal for former Chelsea and midfielder Nemanja Matic, who was once described by Jose Mourinho as the ‘perfect player.’
The 36-year-old is currently contracted to French outfit Lyon after joining the Ligue 1 club in 2024.
But he could be set for a surprise return to the with the Tractor Boys, with reports suggesting Kieran McKenna is weighing up a potential move for the experienced midfield general.
According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenburg, Ipswich are ‘considering’ a move for the Serbia international.
Matic signed a two-year deal at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais and is under contract until 2026. That means Ipswich would be required to pay a fee unless he arrives on loan or has his contract terminated.
The Irishman could have his work cut out as Matic is also attracting interest from Como, Napoli, and Fiorentina.
The Serbian star has significant experience playing in the , which could aid Ipswich’s battle to avoid relegation.
He was signed by Mourinho from Benfica in a £21million deal and played an integral role for the Portuguese in his second stint at Stamford Bridge.
Nemanja Matic could be set for a return to the Premier League (Image: Getty)
The tactician adored the towering midfielder and once described him as the “perfect player” after he played a starring role in Mourinho’s third title in 2014-15.
Matic was also part of the side that won the title under Antonio Conte in 2016-17, and the Italian – now at Napoli – is also keen on adding him to his squad in January.
But his loyalty may well be with Mourinho after opting to join at Old Trafford when he took the United job. He sealed a £40m deal in July 2017.
Mourinho lavished praise on his signing, identifying him as the ‘perfect player’ for his side when he arrived at Old Trafford.
Nemanja Matic and Jose Mourinho worked together at Man Utd (Image: Getty)
“When I got the call that Matic wants to play for me and for , and he can make it happen, I thought he’s the perfect player for me,” Mourinho said in 2017.
“Not just for his qualities but also for my relationship with him, the way I know him, the way he knows me.”
There, Matic made 189 appearances for the Red Devils and scored four times before leaving in 2022 after five years with the club. He ended up joining AS Roma as a free agent – where he stayed for one season – before heading to France for the next step in his career.
He then moved on to Rennes last summer but his time there was short-lived. Matic sealed a switch to fellow Ligue club Lyon in January 2024, where he has been to date.