Ipswich See Fresh Palacios Bid Rejected by Bayer Leverkusen, Open Talks with Breel Embolo

• Ipswich Town have had a second offer for Exequiel Palacios rejected by Bayer Leverkusen after an initial €20m bid was turned down last week
• Leverkusen are seeking approximately €40m for the 27-year-old Argentina international, whose contract runs through 2030
• Ipswich have recently signed Strasbourg duo Julio Enciso and Abdoul Ouattara, and are also working on a deal for Rennes and Switzerland striker Breel Embolo

Bayer Leverkusen Stand Firm Over Palacios Valuation

Ipswich Town’s pursuit of Exequiel Palacios has met further resistance, with Bayer Leverkusen rejecting a second approach for the midfielder. The newly promoted Premier League club remain intent on signing the 27-year-old Argentina international, but their latest proposal has not shifted Leverkusen’s position.

Ipswich had already seen an opening €20m bid rejected last week. According to Sportingpedia sources, the follow-up offer represented only a marginal increase on that first proposal. Discussions are still active, with Ipswich optimistic that an agreement can be reached.

🚨 Ipswich Town have submitted an improved formal offer to Bayer Leverkusen for Exequiel Palacios.

Ipswich believe they can complete the transfer within hours if negotiations continue to progress as planned.

An agreement has not been reached yet, but talks are moving in the… pic.twitter.com/rGRQEDizFJ

— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) August 18, 2026

Leverkusen are seeking approximately €40m for Palacios, a valuation shaped by both his importance to the squad and his contractual security. The former River Plate midfielder extended his deal with the German club last autumn, committing his future through 2030. As a result, Palacios has limited leverage from a contractual standpoint.

Player’s Position Has Shifted During the Summer

Palacios has informed Leverkusen of his desire to leave and is now open to joining Ipswich. Palacios is also said to have reduced his financial demands in an effort to make a move to the Premier League more achievable. That change has kept Ipswich in the conversation, even though Leverkusen have so far refused to compromise on their asking price.

Ipswich Continue Wider Transfer Push

The Palacios pursuit forms part of a broader and ambitious recruitment drive at Portman Road following Ipswich’s promotion to the Premier League. The club have recently signed Strasbourg duo Julio Enciso and Abdoul Ouattara, with both players agreeing a five-year contract.

Ipswich have also been interested in Breel Embolo for several weeks and are now taking concrete steps to complete a deal. The Tractor Boys are willing to meet Rennes’ demands to sign the former AS Monaco striker.

Embolo is in direct talks with Ipswich Town after rejecting an approach from Atlanta United. Ipswich are now leading the race to sign the Rennes and Switzerland striker, with negotiations underway as the English club work to finalise terms for the transfer.