Ipswich Town have announced the signing of Argentina international Exequiel Palacios.
The midfielder has moved to Portman Road from Bayer Leverkusen on a four-year deal.
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An initial €22.5million (£19.3m) fee will be followed by up to €5million (£4.3m) in add-ons, talkSPORT understands.
Speaking to the club’s media channels, Palacios admitted: “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.
“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.”
Ipswich add World Cup winner
Palacios becomes Gary O’Neil’s 13th summer signing following their promotion to the Premier League.
The Tractor Boys boss succeeded Kieran McKenna in the dugout after his side finished second in the Championship last season.
O’Neil oversaw a 2-1 opening weekend victory at home to Sunderland on Saturday.
His Ipswich side could now include a World Cup winner in his starting line-up for Sunday’s trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United.
Palacios was part of the Argentina squad for their 2022 triumph in Qatar.
He also won the Copa America in both 2021 and 2024 as well as featuring at this summer’s World Cup.
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Argentina were beaten in the final by Spain, with Palacios featuring once at the tournament.
The 27-year-old has 41 senior international caps to his name having made his debut aged 19 in 2018.
After progressing through River Plate’s academy, Palacios moved to Leverkusen six years ago.
His time in Germany included an unbeaten league and cup double during the 2023/24 season.
Palacios made a total of 186 appearances for Leverkusen, scoring 15 goals from midfield alongside 17 assists.
Ipswich striker search
He could soon be followed through the door by Aston Villa striker Tammy Abraham.
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talkSPORT revealed on Thursday that Ipswich are working on a loan deal for the centre-forward.
George Hirst’s permanent move to Stoke City and the loan exit of Ali Al-Hamadi to Sheffield Wednesday have left O’Neil with just two recognised senior strikers.
Emersonn, who had been the club’s record signing before Julio Enciso’s arrival, and Chuba Akpom are the current options at his disposal.
The former opened the scoring against Sunderland in the club’s season opener.
