Ipswich Town’s newest signing Sasa Lukic has wasted no time in winning over supporters after delivering an emotional message that perfectly captures the ambition growing around Portman Road ahead of the new Premier League season.
The experienced Serbian midfielder has officially completed his £9 million move from Fulham, bringing a wealth of top-flight experience and international pedigree to Gary O’Neil’s rebuilding squad. But while his impressive résumé speaks for itself, it was his first words as an Ipswich player that have generated real excitement among the Town faithful.
Lukic made one thing crystal clear—he didn’t join Ipswich simply to make up the numbers.
Instead, the 30-year-old says he arrived with one objective: helping the club continue its remarkable rise while creating unforgettable memories alongside the supporters.
Speaking shortly after completing his move, the Serbia international described Ipswich as a club with enormous history and insisted he is determined to play an important role in its next chapter.
“I am happy to be here. This is a great club with a rich history, and I am here to build it,” Lukic explained.
His comments immediately highlighted the mentality that convinced Ipswich to invest heavily in securing his signature.
Having accumulated more than 90 Premier League appearances with Fulham and represented Serbia at both the FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship, Lukic arrives as one of the most experienced midfielders in Gary O’Neil’s squad.
That experience could prove invaluable as Ipswich prepare for another demanding Premier League campaign.
Lukic believes his leadership qualities are just as important as his technical ability.
He explained that his ambition is not only to perform well individually but also to help teammates improve throughout the season, creating a stronger collective capable of competing against some of England’s biggest clubs.
One of the biggest reasons behind his enthusiasm is something he experienced long before signing his contract.
During his time with Fulham, Lukic played twice against Ipswich in the Premier League and was left stunned by the atmosphere inside Portman Road.
Those memories have stayed with him.
He described Portman Road as one of the finest stadium atmospheres he encountered during his Premier League career, admitting that the incredible support from the home crowd played a major role in shaping his opinion of the club.
Now, instead of trying to silence those passionate supporters, he has the opportunity to play in front of them every other week.
Lukic admitted he cannot wait to experience that atmosphere as an Ipswich player for the first time.
The midfielder also arrives knowing at least one familiar face.
Earlier this summer, former Fulham teammate Issa Diop completed his own move to Suffolk, and Lukic revealed the pair have already spoken several times about their new adventure together.
Their existing relationship should help Lukic settle quickly into the dressing room while giving Gary O’Neil another experienced partnership capable of guiding the club’s younger players.
Supporters also received an insight into exactly what kind of footballer Ipswich have signed.
Lukic describes himself as a genuine box-to-box midfielder—someone equally comfortable protecting the defence, winning possession and joining attacks in the final third.
His all-action style perfectly suits the intensity O’Neil wants from his midfield.
Perhaps most importantly, however, was the promise he delivered directly to Ipswich supporters.
The Serbian vowed to give absolutely everything every time he wears the club’s shirt, insisting fans can expect maximum commitment whenever he steps onto the pitch.
He also expressed complete confidence that Ipswich will be competitive throughout the upcoming campaign, reinforcing the growing belief surrounding the club’s ambitions under O’Neil.
For supporters, those words will be just as encouraging as the transfer itself.
Ipswich have continued strengthening intelligently this summer, targeting experienced Premier League performers capable of raising standards both on and off the field.
Lukic appears to fit that profile perfectly.
With nearly 100 Premier League appearances, extensive international experience and a reputation for consistency, he could become one of the most influential additions of Ipswich’s summer rebuild.
As anticipation builds ahead of the new season, Lukic has already made an excellent first impression.
Now comes the challenge of turning those promises into performances.
If his experience, leadership and determination translate onto the pitch, Ipswich supporters may soon discover that their £9 million investment is not simply another signing—but one of the most important pieces in Gary O’Neil’s plans to establish the club as a genuine Premier League force.
