The Blues are on the verge of landing their most decorated signing ever — and it could be confirmed within days
Ipswich Town are about to make club history.
According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein — one of the most trusted names in football transfer journalism — the Blues are closing in on a deal to sign World Cup winner Exequiel Palacios from Bayer Leverkusen, in what would be one of the most significant signings in the club’s recent history.
A Deal Two Weeks in the Making
This isn’t a sudden development. Ipswich have been quietly working behind the scenes with Bayer Leverkusen for the past fortnight, negotiating over the 41-cap Argentina international. Now, that patience appears to be paying off.
Ornstein reports that a revised bid of €22.5 million plus €5 million in add-ons has finally moved the deal into its closing stages, with the 27-year-old midfielder poised to sign a four-year contract at Portman Road.
Breaking: The Details Straight From the Source
Ornstein didn’t hold back on the significance of the move, confirming via social media that Palacios would become the first-ever World Cup winner to play for Ipswich Town should the deal go through.
“EXCL: Ipswich Town close to agreement with Bayer Leverkusen for Exequiel Palacios. Latest bid €22.5m + €5m. Subject to clubs finalising deal. 27yo #Bayer04 midfielder will sign 4y contract & become 1st World Cup winner to represent #ITFC”
Not Quite Over the Line Yet
Despite the excitement, sources closer to home are urging caution. Local reporting from the EADT and Ipswich Star suggests there’s still work to be done before the transfer is officially wrapped up — a reminder that deals of this magnitude rarely move in a straight line, even at this advanced stage.
Why This Signing Would Be Massive
Palacios isn’t just another midfield addition — he’s a genuine World Cup winner arriving with serious pedigree from one of European football’s most competitive leagues. For a club used to competing at the top of the Championship and now finding its footing in the Premier League, landing a player of this profile sends a clear message about Ipswich’s ambitions.
If completed, this wouldn’t just be a transfer — it would be a statement.
