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Former Liverpool coach Gary O’Neil has marked the start of his Ipswich Town reign in emphatic fashion by smashing the club’s transfer record.
Ipswich turned to O’Neil this summer as the man to succeed Kieran McKenna, appointing the 43‑year‑old on a three‑year deal after his spell with Strasbourg in Ligue 1.
Before that, O’Neil had a brief but important stint at Liverpool, joining the Reds’ Under‑23 set‑up as assistant manager under Barry Lewtas to help bridge the gap between academy football and senior level demands.
That Liverpool role lasted only six months, with Bournemouth moving quickly in February 2021 to bring him into a first‑team environment.
O’Neil is not the only figure at Portman Road with Liverpool on his CV, with Ipswich also confirming the arrival of former Reds youth coach Neil Critchley as part of the new backroom team.
And it seems the new-look backroom team is wasting no time in bringing in their desired transfer targets.
The Tractor Boys have officially signed 21‑year‑old Brazilian forward Emersonn from Toulouse this summer. He has signed a five-year contract at Portman Road, running to the summer of 2031.
It’s believed to be a club-record fee believed of around £24 million plus add-ons. The previous record was the deal to bring in Omari Hutchinson from Chelsea for £20 million in 2024.
Speaking after signing, Emersonn said: “I am very proud to sign for Ipswich Town.
“Playing in the Premier League is something I have always dreamed of and I know I have picked the perfect club to do that with.
“I will give everything for the team every time I play and I can’t wait to get started and meet my new teammates as well as the supporters.”
O’Neil, added: “We’re delighted to welcome Emersonn to the club.
“He is a young striker with real ability and potential who has had plenty of interest this summer, so for him to choose Ipswich Town is something we are very proud of.
“I know he is excited to be playing in the Premier League and we’re looking forward to having him with us as we prepare for the new season.”
Ipswich Town will be playing in the Premier League this coming season, and begin their campaign at home against Sunderland on Saturday, 22 August.