Ipswich sign midfielder Ouattara from Strasbourg

What the report says

Ipswich Town have completed the signing of midfielder Abdoul Ouattara from Strasbourg, according to BBC Sport Football. The 20-year-old Ivory Coast player has agreed a five-year deal and is reported to have moved for about £17m. The transfer brings him to the Premier League club on the recommendation of manager Gary O’Neil, who coached Strasbourg last season and is now reunited with a player he already knows.

Ouattara said the chance to play in England, and specifically in the Premier League, was a major attraction, and he described himself as excited to start with his new teammates and supporters. BBC Sport reported that he made 45 appearances in Ligue 1 for Strasbourg and featured in their run to the Europa Conference League semi-finals last season. He also made his Ligue 1 debut in October 2024 against Paris St-Germain.

O’Neil said Ouattara adds flexibility because he can play in different positions, and he praised his development during their time together in France. The move underlines Ipswich’s heavy summer investment after promotion from the Championship, with the club said to have spent £124m and brought in Ouattara as their 11th major signing. Ipswich begin their Premier League season at home to Sunderland on 22 August, giving the new arrival a chance to settle quickly before the campaign starts.