Ipswich sign Argentina World Cup winner Palacios

What the report says

Ipswich Town have signed Argentina midfielder Exequiel Palacios from Bayer Leverkusen, making him the first World Cup winner to join the Premier League newcomers. BBC Sport reported that the 27-year-old left the Bundesliga side for an undisclosed fee and agreed a four-year contract.

Palacios arrives with a strong international and club record. He was part of Argentina’s squad when they won the 2022 World Cup, and he also featured at this summer’s tournament, where Argentina reached the final. The BBC said he has been capped 41 times and has also won the Copa America twice. In a brief statement, Palacios said he was attracted by Ipswich’s ambition and the chance to play in England.

Ipswich manager Gary O’Neil described him as an experienced, high-level player whose success should help the squad as the club continues its summer rebuild. Palacios is Ipswich’s 11th signing of the transfer window, underlining the scale of their recruitment after returning to the Premier League.

BBC Sport added that Palacios previously came through at River Plate, moved to Leverkusen in 2020 and was part of the team that won the club’s first Bundesliga title in 2023-24. His arrival adds further top-level experience to an Ipswich side looking to establish itself back in the top flight.