Ipswich Town’s pursuit of Burnley midfielder Florentino Luis has taken another step forward, with transfer insider Fabrizio Romano confirming progress in talks between the two clubs.
How We Got Here
Ipswich’s path to pole position has been anything but straightforward. Hull City looked to be in advanced talks for a loan deal earlier in the week, only for Hull boss Sergej Jakirović to concede defeat once it became clear Florentino’s preferred exit was a permanent transfer rather than a temporary one. “I think that he will not come to us,” Jakirović admitted. “His move, I believe, will be a permanent transfer, so we don’t have a chance with that because we want to loan him from Burnley.”
Fulham were also credited with interest at one stage but have since fallen away, leaving Ipswich as the last side standing in the race.
The Numbers
Sky Sports News reported Ipswich were closing in on a permanent deal worth around £16 million, with Burnley themselves having triggered an obligation to buy worth roughly €24 million (£20.6m) to sign Florentino permanently from Benfica earlier this summer after his loan spell. Any sale to Ipswich would represent a quick turnaround for Burnley, cashing in within months of completing that move.
Why Ipswich Want Him
Florentino arrives with genuine Premier League pedigree — the Portugal-born, Angola-raised defensive midfielder made 31 top-flight appearances for Burnley last season despite their relegation. For Gary O’Neil, who’s been vocal about needing reinforcements through the middle of the park with Azor Matusiwa and Jack Taylor both racing to be fit, a physical, experienced defensive midfielder fills a clear and urgent need.
What’s Next
With Romano now describing genuine progress in an agreement between the clubs, this looks to be edging toward a conclusion rather than remaining stuck in speculation. Ipswich are also continuing separate talks over a permanent deal for Julio Enciso, meaning O’Neil could land two significant additions to his squad in fairly quick succession as the window enters its final weeks.
Bottom line: What started the week as a straight fight between three clubs has now narrowed to Ipswich alone, and with Romano’s update suggesting real movement in talks, a full “here we go” confirmation may not be far behind. Watch this space.
