The 24-year-old has spent her entire career to this point in Scotland, apart from a brief stint at Manchester City where she didn’t make an appearance, with two spells at Partick Thistle sandwiching her time at Motherwell.
The last two years have seen her as a regular at Celtic, scoring 15 goals in 71 appearances. She helped them win the Scottish Women’s Cup back in May.
It was announced at the end of last month that the 12-cap Scotland international right-back would leave Glasgow, with Ipswich swooping in to sign her.
She becomes their sixth signing from Scotland so far this summer, signing a three-year deal.
"I wanted a new challenge,” she said. “And having spoken to Sean [Burt] and David [Wright], it seems like there's a really good project here.
"I would describe myself as an athletic and energetic defender who likes to make things happen.
"It felt like the right fit for me at this time in my career and I can't wait to get started."
Sean Burt, Town Women’s Technical Director, added: "We’re thrilled Emma has chosen to join us.
"Attracting such a standout player on a domestic and international level speaks volumes for our club and we’ve no doubt she’s going to be a fantastic addition.
"An all out attacking full-back, she’s someone we knew instantly we wanted to bring to the club and we think she’ll add a lot in both defensive and attacking phases."
✍️ The club is excited to announce the arrival of Emma Lawton on a permanent deal from Scottish Women’s Premier League side Celtic.
Emma arrives as a Scottish Women's Cup winner with 12 Scotland caps to her name.
— Ipswich Town FC Women (@ITFCWomen) July 15, 2026
TRACTOR GIRLS SIGNINGS SO FAR
Midfielder Jenna Slattery from Hearts
Midfielder Aimee Palmer from Southampton
Winger Rosie Livingstone from Hibernian
Winger Megan Hornby from Portsmouth
Forward Kit Graham from Spurs
Centre-back Georgia Hunter from Hearts
Forward Eilidh Adams from Hibernian
Striker Georgia Timms from Hearts
Winger Ava Baker from Birmingham City
Centre-back Kenzie Weir from Everton