The Imps have been linked with a move for Ipswich Town midfielder Finley Barbrook on loan until the end of the season.
The report comes after the departure of Ethan Hamilton and seems to fit the profile Michael Horton suggested on Twitter, capable but not blocking the progress of Ivan Varfolomeev. It’s a story that feels to have some legs – it comes from a highly reputable Ipswich fan outlet TWTD, who report that the deal also includes a recall clause in January.
Diamond 💎
Finley Barbrook is our Young Player of the Season 🏆 #AmberArmy | #SuttonUnited | #ForeverAmber 💛 pic.twitter.com/Fm07ANLmHy
— Sutton United (@suttonunited) May 1, 2025
Finley Barbrook
Barbrook is a twin, who emerged at Portman Road at the same time as his brother Harry, who has since moved the Chelmsford. He had a loan spell with Sutton United last season, and impressed, winning both the Players’ Player and Young Player of the Year.
He has appeared for Ipswich once this season, in the Carabao Cup, and usually operates in the holding midfield role, which does make him a slightly different prospect to Ethan Hamilton, but still a player who could offer depth and cover in the middle of the park.
At the double ✌️
Finley Barbrook is our Players’ Player of the Season 🥇#AmberArmy | #SuttonUnited | #ForeverAmber 💛 pic.twitter.com/9EigJOfjFD
— Sutton United (@suttonunited) May 1, 2025
Target Scouting Piece
While information on Barbrook is limited, this excellent piece on Target Scouting was a lot of use.
In summary, standing at 1.83m, Barbrook has stamina and covers ground well but lacks acceleration. His standout qualities lie in possession. Barbrook is composed under pressure, scans the pitch intelligently, and shows an excellent passing range—short combinations, clipped balls in behind, and tempo-building one-touch play. He is also a capable set-piece taker. He uses long strides to carry the ball forward, preferring technical evasion and quick releases over bursts of pace.
Out of possession, he relies more on interceptions and positioning than tackling strength, though his awareness of space often allows him to block lanes and recycle play. With a contract at Ipswich believed to be expiring in June 2026, he looks capable of stepping into the EFL.
Is it Viable?
If signings were a box-ticking exercise, I think this covers a few. If we do go for Barbrook as reported, we’re signing energy and potential, but a player perhaps not expecting to come in and play 35 games. He would add competition to the ranks, but still leave a relatively clear route to the first team for Ivan Varfolomeev.
One to watch, in our opinion.