Ipswich gamble on World Cup winner Palacios with €22.5m deal

Ipswich Town have completed the signing of Argentina international Exequiel Palacios, moving the World Cup‑winning midfielder to Portman Road from Bayer Leverkusen on a four‑year contract. An initial €22.5 million fee, reported by Getty, will be followed by up to €5 million in add‑ons.

Four‑year contract and fee

The deal includes an initial €22.5million fee, with potential add‑ons of up to €5million, according to talkSPORT. These figures make Palacios one of the most expensive signings in Ipswich’s recent history.

“I am delighted to have signed for Ipswich Town. This is a club with great ambition and I am excited to play football in England and compete against some of the best clubs and players in the world.” Palacios added that he looks forward to meeting the fans as soon as possible.

World Cup winner joins Ipswich

Palacios becomes Gary O’Neil’s 13th summer signing after the Tractor Boys secured promotion to the Premier League. O’Neil succeeded Kieran McKenna following a second‑place finish in the Championship last season.

O’Neil oversaw a 2‑1 opening‑weekend victory at home to Sunderland on Saturday. He could now slot the World Cup winner into his starting line‑up for Sunday’s trip to Old Trafford against Manchester United.

Palacios was part of the Argentina squad that lifted the World Cup in Qatar in 2022. He also won the Copa America in 2021 and 2024 and featured at this summer’s World Cup.

The 27‑year‑old has earned 41 senior caps, debuting at 19 in 2018. After progressing through River Plate’s academy, he moved to Bayer Leverkusen six years ago. In Germany he enjoyed an unbeaten league‑and‑cup double in 2023/24 and made 186 appearances, scoring 15 goals and providing 17 assists.

O’Neil could still add to his summer signings before the window closes, with a potential loan for Aston Villa striker Tammy Abraham mentioned. The permanent move of George Hirst to Stoke City and the loan exit of Ali Al‑Hamadi to Sheffield Wednesday have left O’Neil with just two recognised senior strikers. Emersonn and Chuba Akpom remain options, and Emersonn opened the scoring against Sunderland.