Ipswich submit third €30m offer for Leverkusen midfielder Palacios

Ipswich Town have submitted a third offer worth €30m (£26m) for Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Exequiel Palacios. The package includes the transfer fee and bonuses, with the Premier League club hoping this latest proposal will secure the 27-year-old’s move to England.

Ipswich’s first two bids failed to satisfy Leverkusen’s demands, but the increased offer has narrowed the gap between the clubs. An agreement is now considered close, although the transfer has not yet been completed.

Leverkusen had been seeking about €35m (£30.3m) for Palacios, who joined the German club from River Plate in January 2020. Ipswich’s latest proposal remains below that figure, but it has brought the two sides nearer to a deal after the earlier attempts fell short.

Palacios had previously been linked with a preference for joining a bigger club if he left Leverkusen. His position has since changed, with the midfielder now keen on becoming a Premier League player. That willingness could help Ipswich conclude negotiations after their persistent pursuit.

The Argentine spent much of the first half of last season sidelined by a serious right adductor injury. He still made 25 appearances, supplied one assist and received a World Cup call. His current situation at Leverkusen has therefore remained central to the discussions over a possible departure.

River Plate would also benefit if the transfer is completed. The Argentine club is expected to receive around €4.3m (£3.7m) through rights linked to a future sale and FIFA’s solidarity mechanism.

Ipswich are fifth in the Premier League 2026 standings after taking three points from one match, with one win, no draws and no defeats and a 2-1 goal record. Their recent results include wins over QPR and Charlton, alongside draws with Southampton, West Brom and Middlesbrough. Their next fixture is away to Manchester United on 30 August, while negotiations for Palacios continue.