Leverkusen winner Palacios joins Premier-League-Aufsteiger Ipswich

Exequiel Palacios leaves Bayer Leverkusen for Premier-League-Aufsteiger Ipswich Town, with the move confirmed on Stand: 27.08.2026. After Nach sechseinhalb Jahren at the German side, the 27‑year‑old Argentinier seeks a new challenge in England. His double‑winner status and 126 Bundesliga appearances underline the significance of the transfer.

Double winner departs

Palacios was the Bayers Doublesieger in 2024, helping the Werkself secure the Meisterschaft and the DFB-Pokal, a rare Doublegewinner feat that cemented his reputation.

After Nach sechseinhalb Jahren in the Rheinland, the 27‑Jährige Argentinier turns his Rücken on Bayer Leverkusen, having logged 126 Bundesliga matches and netted eleven goals. Palacios arrived in the Rheinland in 2020, transferring from River Plate in Buenos Aires.

New Premier League challenge

The move comes with an Ablösesumme of €25 million plus bonuses, and Sport‑Geschäftsführer Simon Rolfes said, “Mit diesem Transfer erfüllen wir Exequiel Palacios den großen Wunsch, sich nach seiner Top‑Zeit in der Bundesliga auch in der Premier League zu beweisen.” The deal also includes further bonus payments, as reported by media.

Palacios stated, “Sein Ziel ist, im Premier League mit Ipswich Town zu zeigen, was ich kann,” confirming his ambition to prove himself in England.

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Rolfes added that “Pala hat seine große fußballerische Qualität immer wieder bewiesen,” and the club expects the deal to be finalised within the current Jahr.

Internationally, the Argentinier was part of the 2022 World Cup triumph alongside Lionel Messi and featured in the squad that reached the final of the 2026 tournament, losing to Spain.

Earlier, Bayer also sent winger Ernest Poku on loan to Besiktas Istanbul, with a possible purchase obligation that may be triggered later.

The contrast between a German double‑winner’s farewell and his fresh start at a Premier‑League Aufsteiger highlights a career pivot from domestic glory to the challenge of England’s top flight.