ITFC IMAGE - 24/08/26
ITFC IMAGE - 24/08/26
As deadline day nears, Ipswich Town are closing in on a deal for World Cup-winning midfielder Exequiel Palacios, while Town are also progressing talks with Aston Villa to bring Tammy Abraham in on loan to Portman Road. And Championship interest in the winger Chieodozie Ogbene. The Blues are shaping up for another significant phase of the squad under Gary O’Neil and a hope of survival in the Premier League.
Palacios Move Nears Completion
The deal for World Cup-winning midfielder Exequiel Palacios is getting close, with the Argentina international arriving in England last night for his medical. The bid was €22.5 million (£19.2 million)* plus €5 million (£4.3 million) in add‑ons, with Palacios having agreed a four‑year contract. His arrival continues a remarkable summer in which spending has already exceeded £150 million. Palacios, contracted to Leverkusen until 2030, played a key role in their 2023/24 Bundesliga title and previously emerged as one of South America’s standout talents at River Plate.
Town Push for Tammy Abraham Loan
Town are also close to agreeing a loan deal with Aston Villa for the striker Tammy Abraham as Gary O’Neil looks to add a proven number nine before the transfer window shuts on Tuesday. A senior striker has been top of Town’s wishlist all summer, with multiple targets but no breakthrough until now.
Reports say that Ipswich are closing in on Abraham, who rejoined Villa from Besiktas for £18 million in January. With Villa agreeing a deal for Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson, Abraham is expected to move on. The 28-year-old. 6ft 4in has made four starts and 13 sub appearances, scoring 2 goals. His career includes spells at Chelsea, Bristol City, Swansea, Villa, Roma, AC Milan and Besiktas, and he has 11 England caps, including 3 goals.
Ogbene Attracts Championship Interest
Meanwhile, winger Chiedozie Ogbene could follow George Hirst and Ben Johnson and sign for Stoke City, becoming the third player to join the Potters this season, but they are among several Championship clubs that have enquired about the Republic of Ireland international.
Ogbene joined Ipswich from Luton Town for £8 million in 2024, but he did suffer an Achilles injury that ended his debut season early. He spent last season on loan at Sheffield United and was on the bench as an unused substitute in Town’s 3-1 Carabao Cup win over Leicester on Tuesday. He had two years left on his deal at Portman Road.