Ipswich Sign World Cup Winner Exequiel Palacios from Bayer Leverkusen

Ipswich Town have signed Argentina midfielder Exequiel Palacios from Bayer Leverkusen on a four-year contract as they strengthen their squad for their return to the Premier League. BBC Sport reported that the 27-year-old moved for an undisclosed fee and is the first World Cup winner to sign for Ipswich.

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Palacios has made 41 appearances for Argentina since his international debut in 2018. He was part of the squad that won the 2022 World Cup and also helped his country reach the 2026 final. His international record includes two Copa America titles. At the latest World Cup, his only appearance was a start in Argentina's 3-1 group-stage victory over tournament debutants Jordan.

The midfielder said he was attracted by Ipswich's ambition and the opportunity to play in England against leading clubs and players. Manager Gary O'Neil pointed to Palacios' success at international and club level, saying that experience would be important as Ipswich continue improving the squad.

Palacios began his senior career with River Plate in 2015. He won the Copa Libertadores in 2018 and lifted the Copa Argentina twice before moving to Leverkusen in 2020. During six years at the German club, he made 186 appearances and scored 15 goals.

His time in Germany included a central role in Leverkusen's first Bundesliga championship in the 2023-24 season, when he played 24 times. He also won the DFB-Pokal and German Super Cup under Xabi Alonso, who now manages Chelsea. That collection of honours adds an experienced midfielder to a newly promoted Ipswich squad.

Palacios is Ipswich's 11th signing of the transfer window, according to BBC Sport, with the club having spent more than £150 million since returning to the Premier League. Ipswich opened their top-flight campaign with a 2-1 home win over Sunderland and also advanced to the Carabao Cup third round by beating League One side Leicester City. BBC Sport also reported that Ipswich were progressing with a proposed loan move for Aston Villa striker Tammy Abraham.