[Ipswich Town](https://vitalfootball.co.uk/vital-ipswich-town/) have completed one of the most significant signings in the club’s history with the arrival of Argentina international midfielder Exequiel Palacios from Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen. The 27-year-old joins for an undisclosed fee and has signed a contract until the summer of 2030, becoming the first-ever World Cup winner to sign for the Blues.
He arrives at Portman Road with a glittering CV at both club and international level. He was part of the Argentina side that won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar while featuring in the team that got to the final in this year’s tournament. Additionally to the World Cup triumph, Palacios won the Copa America, which further cements his status as one of the most decorated midfielders in South American football.
At club level, Palacios brings elite pedigree and proven success. During his time with Bayer Leverkusen, he won the Bundesliga, German Cup and the German Super Cup, playing a key role in one of the most dominant periods in the German club’s history. Before moving to Germany and Europe, he emerged as a standout talent at River Plate, where he won the Cop Libertadores and two Cop Argentina titles with his boyhood club
He becomes Town’s 11th signing of this summer transfer window, further strengthening Gary O’Neil’s squad for the Premier League campaign. He will wear the number 25 shirt for his time at Portman Road.
Palacios spoke with [Town TV](https://www.itfc.co.uk/news/2026/august/27/world-cup-winner-palacios-signs/) after the move was announced and said that he is excited to begin this new chapter in England.
> “I am delighted to have signed for Ipswich Town. This is a club with great ambition and I am excited to play football in England and compete against some of the best clubs and players in the world.
>
> He also added : “I have enjoyed speaking with everyone at the club and I am now looking forward to meeting everyone and getting started on the pitch with my teammates, as well as meeting the fans as soon as possible.”
Boss Gary O’Neil has welcomed the signing and also highlighted Palacios’s experience and winning mentality
> “We are really pleased to have added a player of Exequiel’s quality to the group. He is a player who has had real success at the top level of the game, winning the biggest prize of all in the World Cup, as well as major trophies at club level.
>
> Also added : “That experience will be vital for us as we continue to work to improve the squad this summer. We’re looking forward to him getting started and can’t wait to see him on the pitch.”