Ipswich Town has submitted a bid for Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Ezequiel Palacios. Sky Sports Football reported this week that talks are ongoing between the two clubs over a potential transfer.
The newly-promoted Premier League side, which finished fifth in the Bundesliga last season, is looking to bolster its midfield options. Leverkusen concluded the 2025 campaign with 52 points from 29 games, recording 15 wins, seven draws, and seven losses. Their recent form of five matches without defeat (WWDDD) provides a solid foundation for the upcoming season, which starts for Leverkusen with an away fixture at SV Elversberg on August 29.
A potential departure of Ezequiel Palacios would leave a gap in Bayer Leverkusen's central midfield. The Argentine is an experienced international who has become a mainstay in the squad in recent years. Manager Xabi Alonso now faces a decision on whether the offer from England is sufficiently attractive and if a replacement is available on the market. Leverkusen scored 59 goals last season but also conceded 39. This defensive vulnerability could be exacerbated by losing a defensive midfielder.
The club's hierarchy has a tough call to make just before the season starts. A look at the current squad reveals the existing options in the midfield area. A sale could create financial flexibility for other moves but would also reduce squad depth.
The Premier League newcomers have had an extremely active transfer summer. Following the surprise departure of manager Kieran McKenna, the club appointed Gary O'Neil as his successor, a manager with recent top-flight experience. Club chairman Mark Ashton referred to a "very busy summer." Ipswich has brought in twelve new signings so far and expects more before the transfer window closes.
Their approach has shades of Sunderland's model, focusing on adding experienced internationals and promising young players. The entire recruitment department has been significantly expanded, with far greater knowledge of international markets now in place. Infrastructure has also been upgraded: the team has moved into a brand new £40 million training ground featuring a new gym, pool, state-of-the-art recovery technology, and an underwater treadmill.
In a press conference in the new media room, O'Neil appeared optimistic. "I'm excited about what this group can achieve this season," the manager said. He seemed pleased with the transfer business so far but would not comment on speculation regarding Liam Delap.
O'Neil confirmed the club is still looking at defensive, midfield, and striker options. He shared a particular story about his communication with Abdoul Ouattara, whom he worked with at Strasbourg. Last season, O'Neil learned French to speak with him; this season, Ouattara is now learning English.
The coming days will reveal if Ipswich Town is successful with its bid for Palacios. For Leverkusen, the immediate focus is on the first competitive match of the season. The team travels to face SV Elversberg in the DFB-Pokal on August 29. Preparations for that encounter are in full swing while transfer discussions continue in the background.
Leverkusen aims to carry the positive form from the end of last season, reflected in the unbeaten run, into the new campaign. Having finished 24 points behind champions Bayern München last year, the scale of the challenge is clear. Every personnel decision before the season starts therefore carries significant weight. Fans can follow further transfer developments and the build-up to the Elversberg match on our stats page.
