Alex Jones

Ipswich Town midfielder Sindre Walle Egeli discusses his friendship with new signing Emersonn, helping foreign teammates settle in Suffolk and his preferred role as a number 10. He welcomes competition from Julio Enciso and hopes to make his Premier League debut against Sunderland, while looking forward to facing Liverpool and Erling Haaland’s Manchester City. His goals for the season are to earn regular minutes, contribute five goals and return to Norway’s senior squad ahead of the 2028 European Championship.

Ipswich Town attacker Sindre Walle Egeli describes his first Championship season as physically demanding but valuable for his development. Although he scored four goals and supplied two assists, he was left out of the squad for the final three matches of the promotion run-in, leaving him disappointed despite Ipswich securing promotion against QPR. Egeli credits Kieran McKenna with helping him handle the setback and says he understands the competition from Kasey McAteer and Wes Burns. He also speaks positively about the transition to new manager Gary O'Neil, whose training methods and tactical principles are becoming increasingly clear as Ipswich prepare for their return to the Premier League.

Alex Jones predicts Chelsea to win the 2026/27 Premier League, ahead of Arsenal and Manchester City, with Liverpool and Manchester United completing the top five. Ipswich Town are forecast to finish 17th and avoid relegation, provided Gary O'Neil's new signings integrate quickly. Fulham, Coventry and Hull are tipped to go down, while Leeds are identified as a dark horse. The assessment emphasizes managerial changes, transfer activity, squad depth and the demands of European competition.

Ipswich Town striker George Hirst is reportedly set to join Stoke City for an initial fee of about £6 million, potentially rising to £10 million, on a four-year contract. Defender Ben Johnson is also expected to move to Stoke on loan for the 2026/27 campaign. The departures would help Ipswich reduce squad numbers after adding 10 players, including Julio Enciso and Abdoul Ouattara. Goalkeeper Kayne van Oevelen is likewise expected to join Valencia CF on loan, although that move may be delayed by an injury affecting Ipswich’s goalkeeper department.

Ipswich Town have signed 20-year-old Abdoul Ouattara from Strasbourg for £17 million. Raised in France after moving from Ivory Coast, Ouattara developed from a prolific amateur youth attacker into a versatile senior player capable of operating in midfield, on the wings and at full-back. He made his Strasbourg debut in 2024 and later recorded 43 appearances in the 2025/26 season, including a key goal against Mainz in the UEFA Conference League. His technical ability, defensive competence, tactical intelligence and willingness to fill multiple roles could make him valuable to Ipswich, although he may initially be used mainly as a substitute and cover option. Injuries remain a concern, and he has yet to make an international appearance for Ivory Coast.

Ipswich Town defeated Union Berlin 4–2 in their final pre-season friendly, recovering from an early concession with three first-half goals from Jack Clarke, Emersonn and Dara O'Shea before Kasey McAteer sealed the win late on. Defender Issa Diop said Ipswich adapted to Union's intense pressing, improved physically and developed a better understanding of the manager's tactics. He also praised the squad and coaching staff as the club prepared for the Premier League season.

Ipswich Town finish their pre-season schedule with a friendly against Union Berlin in Berlin, one week before beginning their Premier League campaign against Sunderland. The article reviews Ipswich's mixed but improving pre-season form, argues that the Union match is an important dress rehearsal, and expects Gary O'Neil to field a strong lineup for at least 70 minutes. New signing Sasa Lukic is likely to make his debut, while several players are unavailable or uncertain because of injuries and transfer situations. Union Berlin are described as a fan-owned club with working-class, leftist roots, a recent Bundesliga and Champions League history, and a squad strengthened ahead of the new season.

Ipswich Town are reportedly close to agreeing a £16m permanent transfer for Burnley midfielder Florentino Luis, with personal terms and final details still to be settled. The 26-year-old Portugal Under-21 international previously played for Benfica, Monaco and Getafe before joining Burnley. His arrival would be Ipswich’s seventh summer signing and take their spending, including add-ons, to nearly £100m. Manager Gary O’Neil is seeking midfield reinforcements because Azor Matusiwa and Jack Taylor are recovering from surgery, while Sasa Lukic and Exequiel Palacios remain linked and Ipswich are also confident of re-signing Julio Enciso.

Ipswich Town are targeting Fulham midfielder Sasa Lukic as they strengthen their midfield after promotion to the Premier League. Lukic offers top-flight experience, has made 26 Premier League appearances in the previous season, and is entering the final year of his Fulham contract, although the club can extend it by 12 months. Ipswich have already conducted business with Fulham by signing Issa Diop. A move for former Sporting CP midfielder Hidemasa Morita fell through after a reported medical issue, with Morita subsequently joining Hull City.

Ipswich Town have been linked with Levante striker Carlos Espi and Rennes forward Breel Embolo, but neither move appears advanced. The club is reportedly prioritizing experienced midfielders rather than another young striker. Sam Szmodics is expected to leave, with Derby County in advanced talks over a permanent or loan deal. Newly signed goalkeeper Kayne van Oevelen could also depart on loan, with several Championship clubs interested, as Ipswich manage their goalkeeping options.

Daizen Maeda is set to join Ipswich Town from Celtic for £8 million plus up to £2 million in add-ons. The Japanese forward overcame an early disciplinary suspension, developed through spells in Japan and Portugal, and became a key Celtic player known for his pace, stamina, pressing and versatility. He has won multiple Scottish domestic trophies and played prominent roles for Japan at recent World Cups. Ipswich could deploy him in an inside-left role within a high-intensity 3-4-2-1 system, although his physical adaptation to the Premier League and consistency in front of goal remain the main uncertainties.

Ipswich Town will stream its behind-closed-doors pre-season friendly against FC Cartagena for free on Town TV, with the match divided into three periods. Town TV will also show fixtures against Le Havre and Rayo Vallecano for subscribers or £4.99 match passes, while the match against Union Berlin will be free on Town TV and the club’s social media channels. Games against Osasuna, Oxford United and Wycombe Wanderers are not expected to be streamed, though the East Anglian Daily Times and Ipswich Star will provide coverage of all seven fixtures.

Conor Townsend is reportedly set to return to West Bromwich Albion on a one-year deal. The 33-year-old left-back joined Ipswich Town from West Brom for £750,000 in 2024, made 10 appearances—including six in the Premier League—and then suffered a season-ending ACL injury. After completing his rehabilitation at Ipswich, he was deemed unlikely to feature again following the club’s promotion back to the top flight. Townsend previously spent six years at West Brom and made more than 200 appearances for the club.

Ipswich Town have signed 29-year-old centre-back Issa Diop from Fulham for £8.5 million. The Toulouse academy graduate became club captain at 20, moved to West Ham for a club-record £22 million in 2018, and later joined Fulham, where injuries and competition reduced him to a squad role. Diop is described as a physically imposing, aerially strong and composed defender who offers leadership, professionalism and defensive reliability. After representing France through under-21 level, he switched allegiance to Morocco and scored a late equaliser against the Netherlands at a major international tournament. His ability to defend deep, win duels and cover injuries is expected to benefit Ipswich.

Ipswich Town are set to complete the signing of Daizen Maeda from Celtic for £8m plus add-ons following his World Cup return, with the forward undergoing a medical in Suffolk. Maeda would become the club’s fifth summer signing, joining four previously acquired players. Talks continue for goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen, while a medical issue has halted a planned move for Hidemada Morita, who is now expected to join Hull City. Sam Szmodics is likely to leave, with Derby County leading interest and Birmingham City also pursuing the midfielder.

Derby County are in advanced negotiations to re-sign Ipswich Town attacker Sam Szmodics, with discussions ongoing over either a permanent or loan move. Ipswich prefer a permanent transfer, while Birmingham City remain interested. Szmodics, who joined Ipswich in 2024 and spent the second half of last season on loan at Derby, has not travelled with the squad to their pre-season camp. Despite managerial changes at Ipswich, he is expected to leave, with an estimated £5 million fee considered likely.

Abdul Fatawu’s career progression from youth football in Tamale to Ipswich Town is traced through his development at Steadfast FC, his move to Sporting CP, and his breakout season at Leicester City. His international experience with Ghana includes youth success, early senior caps, and participation in the 2022 and 2026 World Cups. Despite setbacks such as an ACL injury and Leicester’s relegations, his performances demonstrated strong attacking qualities. Ipswich supporters can expect a dynamic winger known for dribbling, acceleration, and creativity, with room to refine decision-making and end product.

Kayne van Oevelen joins Ipswich Town after rising quickly from a late start as a goalkeeper to become a standout performer at FC Volendam, where he posted strong shot-stopping metrics despite the team’s struggles. His development included rapid promotions through youth and senior ranks, producing notable performances that attracted interest from major clubs. Ipswich secured the transfer ahead of Valencia and others. Known for his composure on the ball, exceptional reflexes and aerial command, he continues to aim for long-term ambitions such as representing the Netherlands and eventually playing for Real Madrid.

Daizen Maeda hopes his transfer value drops to ease a summer move away from Celtic, with Ipswich Town showing interest and reportedly in contact about a deal. A previous move to Wolfsburg fell through, and Maeda remains keen on playing in the Premier League, expressing determination to work toward that goal while valuing his daily progress in football.

Former Ipswich Town captain Sam Morsy, now without a club after a short spell at Kuwait SC and a stint with Bristol City, has joined the PFA’s pre-season squad to maintain fitness while seeking his next move. Released by Bristol City at the end of the season, he will feature in a 21‑man PFA squad playing Hednesford Town, where former Ipswich player Luke Thomas is also included.

Ipswich Town have discussed a possible transfer with Celtic for Japanese forward Daizen Maeda, who is out of contract next summer and open to a move to the Premier League. No formal offer has been made, but Ipswich aim to reach an agreement quickly. Maeda has been a key player for Celtic since 2022 and has expressed a strong desire to play in England. Ipswich are also in talks with Hidemasa Morita and are close to completing several other signings as they continue their summer recruitment.

Ipswich Town’s 2026–27 pre-season schedule includes a training camp in Murcia followed by friendlies against Osasuna, Oxford United, Wycombe Wanderers, Le Havre, Rayo Vallecano and Union Berlin. Opponents’ recent form, managerial changes and notable player movements are highlighted, along with logistical details for supporters ahead of each match.

Ipswich Town are close to agreeing a £20m deal with Leicester City for winger Abdul Fatawu after earlier bids were rejected and rival interest emerged from Everton, West Ham and Besiktas. The winger scored nine goals and seven assists last season but could not prevent Leicester’s relegation. Ipswich are also progressing moves for goalkeeper Kayne van Oevelen, negotiating for Kjell Scherpen, and holding talks with free‑agent midfielder Hidemasa Morita.

Transfer reports indicate Jaden Philogene is expected to leave Ipswich Town following his recent move to Team Raiola, with interest from Premier League and overseas clubs. Ipswich’s previous deal with Aston Villa includes a sell‑on clause, making any potential transfer financially significant. Despite strong performance in the club’s promotion campaign, uncertainty surrounds his future, influenced partly by managerial changes and his ambitions. The outcome depends on whether interested teams make formal approaches and meet Ipswich’s valuation.

Elkan Baggott has completed a permanent transfer from Ipswich Town to Millwall for an undisclosed fee, ending his long association with the Suffolk club. After progressing through Ipswich’s academy and making seven senior appearances, the 23-year-old defender departs following several loan spells across the English leagues. A regular for Indonesia’s national team, he joins Millwall as they prepare for the new Championship season, linking up with the squad at their pre‑season camp in Spain after signing a long‑term contract.

Ava Baker has rejoined Ipswich Town Women on loan from Birmingham City for the 2026–27 season after a successful previous spell during which she contributed a goal and two assists. The 20-year-old winger cited the club’s ambition as a key reason for returning. Technical director Sean Burt welcomed her back, praising her quality and attitude. Her arrival marks the ninth signing of the summer as Ipswich continue strengthening their squad.