- Ipswich Town have signed Argentina midfielder Exequiel Palacios from Bayer Leverkusen for an undisclosed fee on a four-year contract
- Palacios, 27, has become Ipswich’s 11th signing of the transfer window and the first World Cup winner to join the club
- Ipswich are also hoping to complete a loan move for Tammy Abraham
Palacios Brings Elite-Level Experience To Portman Road
Ipswich Town have made a landmark addition to their squad by bringing in Argentina international Exequiel Palacios from Bayer Leverkusen. The 27-year-old midfielder has moved for an undisclosed fee and has committed to a four-year contract with the Premier League newcomers.
Palacios has been capped 41 times by Argentina since making his senior international debut in 2018. His arrival makes him the first World Cup winner to sign for Ipswich Town, adding major international and club pedigree to Gary O’Neil’s squad.
He was part of the Argentina team that won the World Cup in 2022 and also reached the final this summer. At international level, he has also won the Copa America twice with his country.
“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 said.
✍️ Ipswich Town is thrilled to confirm the signing of Argentina international Exequiel Palacios.
The World Cup-winner joins from Bayer Leverkusen for an undisclosed fee and has signed a contract to the summer of 2030. pic.twitter.com/fG95erIDCP
— Ipswich Town (@IpswichTown) August 27, 2026
Argentina And Leverkusen Pedigree
Palacios was Ipswich’s 11th signing of the transfer window. At the 2026 tournament, his only appearance came when he started Argentina’s 3-1 group-stage victory against World Cup debutants Jordan.
Ipswich manager Gary O’Neil highlighted the value of signing a player with experience of winning the game’s biggest honours.
“He is a player who has had real success at the top level of the game, winning the biggest prize of all in the World Cup, as well as major trophies at club level.
“That experience will be vital for us as we continue to work to improve the squad this summer.”
Palacios began his senior career with boyhood club River Plate in 2015. During his time there, he won the Copa Libertadores in 2018 and lifted the Copa Argentina twice.
He joined Bayer Leverkusen in 2020 and became an important part of Xabi Alonso’s Bundesliga-winning side. Palacios made 24 appearances as Leverkusen secured their first-ever Bundesliga title in 2023-24. During his six years at the BayArena, he also won the DFB Pokal and the German Super Cup under current Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso.
He leaves Leverkusen having played 186 matches and scored 15 goals.
| Player | Age | Move/status | Key details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exequiel Palacios | 27 | Signed from Bayer Leverkusen for an undisclosed fee | Four-year contract; Ipswich’s 11th signing of the transfer window; 41 Argentina caps since 2018; World Cup winner in 2022; two-time Copa America winner |
| Tammy Abraham | 28 | Ipswich are hoping to complete a loan signing from Aston Villa according to reports | Former Chelsea striker; joined Aston Villa from Besiktas midway through last season on a four-year deal; scored three times in 15 appearances for Unai Emery’s side |
Abraham Loan Move Under Consideration
Ipswich are also working on a potential loan deal for striker Tammy Abraham. The former Chelsea forward joined Aston Villa from Besiktas midway through last season on a four-year contract.
Abraham went on to make 15 appearances for Unai Emery’s team, scoring three times. However, with Villa’s squad undergoing significant changes this summer, the 28-year-old could leave Villa Park during this window.
The Tractor Boys are said to have agreed a loan arrangement with Villa, but Abraham is expected to make the final decision on where he will spend the season.
He has already played once for Villa this season, appearing as a 72nd-minute substitute in the 2-1 Super Cup defeat to Paris Saint-Germain earlier this month.
Ipswich Continue Ambitious Summer Rebuild
Ipswich have now spent more than £150m since returning to the Premier League. Their squad-building push has been matched by a strong start on the pitch, with the club marking their return to the top flight by beating Sunderland 2-1 at Portman Road.
They have also advanced to the third round of the Carabao Cup, progressing at the expense of League One Leicester City.
