Zian Flemming Excited for Premier League Return with Ipswich Town

Zian Flemming says he feels “joy and excitement” at the chance to step back into the Premier League with Ipswich Town – and his return could begin under the Friday night lights against Liverpool.

The Dutch forward arrived at Portman Road on deadline day in a £20m move from Burnley and is in contention to make his debut when the newly promoted Tractor Boys host one of the division’s heavyweights.

Flemming, 28, hit 11 league goals for Burnley last season, a bright personal campaign that still ended in relegation and an abrupt end to his first taste of English top-flight football. That experience, he says, has only sharpened his appetite.

“For me it’s just pure excitement I would say,” he told media on Thursday. “This move for me to go back to the Premier League – I’m happy with that.”

The reality of what comes next hit him as soon as he checked Ipswich’s fixture list.

“When the move was getting closer and I really looked at the schedule and realised we were playing Liverpool on Friday I thought, ‘yeah, I’m really back in the Prem!’,” he said.

That is exactly the stage he craves.

“That’s what you want, to play against the best teams and best players,” Flemming continued. “That’s what gave me so much joy and excitement last year, to be able to measure yourself against the very best and have them push you to the next level. I can’t wait to do that again and experience that again.”

He talks about challenges the way some players talk about trophies. There is a clear split in his mind between what he achieved and what slipped away at Burnley.

“I just get a sensation of excitement for challenges,” he said. “Whether it’s a personal or a team challenge it brings something to life inside of me to take it on. Last season I managed to come out on top of the personal challenge to become a Premier League player but lost out on the team challenge and stay in the league.”

Ipswich offer him a fresh climb.

“I’d like to be at the bottom of the mountain and look up and wonder what it is like at the top,” he said. “Then, get my head down and see how far I can get and see whether I can reach the top.”

Liverpool at home is some first step.