ipswich town fc

Ipswich Town FC generated significant buzz on August 25, 2026, as reports emerged that the club was close to signing Argentina international Exequiel Palacios from German side Bayer Leverkusen. The deal, reportedly an initial €22.5 million (£19.2 million) plus a further €5 million (£4.3 million) in add-ons, would see the 27-year-old midfielder sign a four-year contract and become the first World Cup winner to play for Ipswich Town. Palacios was part of Argentina's 2022 World Cup-winning squad and also played in the 2026 World Cup final. The transfer would represent the most eye-catching addition in an already busy summer for the club, with outlays reaching the £150 million mark even before this deal. On August 27, 2026, Ipswich Town officially confirmed the signing of Palacios, who will wear the number 25 shirt. Earlier in August, the club also confirmed that new signings Julio Enciso and Abdoul Ouatarra, who joined from Strasbourg, would be in the matchday squad for the first game of the Premier League season against Sunderland.