'There's a few things': Portsmouth favourite Conor Chaplin lifts lid on future after Ipswich Town release
Pompey loanee Conor Chaplin is now a free agent following his release from Ipswich Town last week.
Conor Chaplin has revealed he has a ‘few’ options on the table regarding his next career move following his release from Ipswich Town.
But the forward has stressed he won’t rush into making a decision on his future as he begins life away from the Tractor Boys.
This will subsequently see Chaplin, who spent the campaign on loan with Pompey, become a free agent this summer.
It was an underwhelming homecoming for the boyhood Blues fan, who completed his sensational Fratton Park return in September 2025 after a six-year hiatus.
Chaplin netted just two goals and collected three assists in 37 outings for John Mousinho’s side, who beat the drop and secured an 18th-placed Championship finish.
A permanent move by the Blues for the academy graduate remains to be seen, with the head coach leaving the door ajar prior to the season finale against Birmingham City.
Conor Chaplin lifts lid on future
In the meantime, however, the popular attacker is beginning his search for his next move and has admitted he already has a ‘few things in the background’.
Speaking to the East Anglian Daily Times, Chaplin said: ‘There's a few things in the background, but I'm not going to go with anything without waiting a little bit and seeing what's there.’
‘I'm obviously sad to leave Ipswich and all the relationships I’ve got there, but nothing lasts forever. I feel very blessed and grateful that I've had five years of incredible memories and relationships.
‘Now I’m excited for the next chapter. I’ll go all in on that and see where it takes me.’
What has John Mousinho said over potential Pompey return for Conor Chaplin?
There was hope Chaplin’s addition on deadline day in September 2025 would propel the Blues away from a potential relegation battle.
That wouldn’t be the case, though, with the 29-year-old yielding a return of five goal contributions in his 37 outings.
By his own admission, Fratton Park academy graduate admitted he felt he let Pompey fans down during his frustrating season-long loan stay.
The Blues boss said: ‘We’ll see what happens with Ipswich first in terms of the priority and the option they have on the player.
‘If they don’t, then it’ll definitely be a conversation between us and Conor’s agent in the summer so left it open from that point of view.’