Ipswich Town‘s busy summer transfer window looks set to continue in August, with the Tractor Boys now in pole position to pip fellow promoted side Hull City to a big-money signing.
Under new head coach Gary O’Neil, those at Portman Road have been extremely productive behind the scenes. Following promotion back to the Premier League, Ipswich have strengthened across the pitch with eight new signings, adding reinforcements in defence, attack and in goal at a combined cost of more than £80m.
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Ipswich Town’s summer signings |
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|---|---|---|---|
|
Player |
From |
Fee |
What they’ll bring |
|
Kjell Scherpen (GK) |
Union SG |
£8.5m |
A commanding 6ft 8in goalkeeper with strong distribution. |
|
Cedric Kipre (CB) |
Stade Reims |
£3.8m |
Powerful defender who provides depth and helped Ipswich into the Premier League. |
|
Issa Diop (CB) |
Fulham |
£8.5m |
Premier League experience, leadership and aerial dominance. |
|
Daizen Maeda (LW) |
Celtic |
£8m |
Relentless pressing, blistering pace and goals from wide areas to stretch Premier League defences. |
|
Abdul Fatawu (RW) |
Leicester City |
£20m |
Explosive dribbling, creativity and unpredictability in the final third. |
|
Emersonn (ST) |
Toulouse |
£24m |
A young, athletic striker with high potential who offers pace and movement in-behind. |
|
Chuba Akpom (ST) |
Ajax |
£8m |
Goalscorer who adds experience and a physical presence after a loan spell last season. |
However, one area that has remained untouched is in midfield. However, that position could soon be bolstered, as they appear to have found their man.
Ipswich and Hull racing to sign Burnley star
According to Sky Sports reporter Luca Bendoni, Ipswich are closing in on an agreement with Burnley to sign Florentino Luis on a permanent transfer.
Further talks are scheduled between the two clubs over a fee in the region of €20m (£17.1m), whereas Hull City were hoping to sign the midfielder on an initial loan with an option to buy.
Ipswich’s eagerness to complete a permanent transfer straightaway appears to have put them in pole position.
Despite Burnley’s relegation last season, Florentino was one of their top performers and has recently been called a “very important player” by their new manager Nicky Hayen.
The 26-year-old made 31 top-flight appearances, contributing two assists and averaging the most tackles per 90 of any Clarets player.
Known for his positional discipline, ball-winning ability and composure under pressure, Florentino could provide the defensive platform needed to allow Ipswich’s more attack-minded players to flourish.
His Premier League experience last season and pedigree from his time with Benfica suggest he is ready to hit the ground running at Portman Road and improve further, as he is appears to be approaching his peak at the age of 26.
If negotiations continue to progress, Florentino could become Ipswich’s new midfield specialist alongside the likes of Azor Matusiwa and Marcelino Nunez, completing another vital piece of business ahead of the new Premier League season.