Official | Ipswich Town sign Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Exequiel Palacios

Official | Ipswich Town sign Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Exequiel Palacios Ipswich Town have officially completed the signing of Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Exequiel Palacios. The 27-year-old Argentine international joins the newly-promoted Premier League side on a contract through 2030. Ipswich officially list the transfer fee as undisclosed, though Sky Germany previously reported a €25m base fee plus €5m in bonuses. The move concludes a pursuit that began earlier this month. Get German Football News reported on Ipswich’s opening €20m offer , which Leverkusen rejected while maintaining an asking price of approximately €40m. GGFN subsequently covered a second unsuccessful Ipswich bid before negotiations ultimately produced a compromise. Palacios departs Leverkusen after six-and-a-half years at the BayArena. The former River Plate midfielder made 186 competitive appearances for die Werkself, registering 15 goals while helping the club win the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double during its unbeaten 2023/24 domestic campaign. His departure also represents a significant late alteration to Carles Martínez’s midfield plans. GGFN’s 2026/27 Bayer Leverkusen tactical preview projected Palacios as a likely starter alongside an increasingly competitive collection of central midfielders. Palacios arrives in England with considerable international experience as well. The 41-cap Argentina international won the 2022 World Cup and Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024 before helping his country reach another World Cup final earlier this year. “I am delighted to have signed for Ipswich Town,” Palacios said. “This is a club with great ambition and I am excited to play football in England and compete against some of the best clubs and players in the world.” GGFN  |  Peter Weis