The 27-year-old would become the first-ever World Cup winner to play for Ipswich Stuart Franklin/Getty ImagesAug. 25, 2026 Updated 3:38 pm EDTIpswich Town are close to an agreement with Bayer Leverkusen for Exequiel Palacios.The Premier League side have made an improved offer of €22.5m plus €5m for the 27-year-old midfielder to join on a proposed four-year deal.If the transfer is completed the Argentina international would become the first-ever World Cup winner to represent the club.The Athletic reported on August 18 that Ipswich’s initial €15million offer for Palacios had been rejected by Bayer Leverkusen.
Ipswich have signed midfielders Sasa Lukic from Fulham and Florentino Luis from Burnley this summer, after Jens Cajuste and Dan Neil departed the club following the conclusion of their loan spells.Palacios, 27, joined Leverkusen from River Plate in 2020. He has made 185 appearances for the club, providing 15 goals and 17 assists, and was part of the side that won the Bundesliga title in 2023-24.He featured 25 times in all competitions last season either side of four months out with a right adductor injury.Palacios has been capped 41 times at international level by Argentina. He was part of the side that won the 2022 World Cup and was included in the squad for the 2026 tournament but featured just once in the tournament in their final group game against Jordan.
