Transfer Poker with Bayer Leverkusen: Premier League Club Pursues Desirable World Cup Star
The Premier League club Ipswich Town is seriously pursuing the services of Bayer Leverkusen's Argentine World Cup star, Exequiel Palacios. The 27-year-old midfielder has already rejected the second bid from the English club, but the situation is far from over.
Bayer Leverkusen has a clear price expectation. The Bundesliga club is seeking a transfer fee of 35 to 40 million euros. Palacios had extended his contract with the Werkself until 2030 in the previous autumn - Leverkusen thus holds the longer lever and is not under any selling pressure. Since his transfer from River Plate in January 2020, the Argentine has played 185 league games for the club and won the Double in 2024.
Transfer Poker with Bayer Leverkusen: Premier League Club Pursues Desirable World Cup Star
Despite this, the situation remains tense. Exequiel Palacios reportedly submitted a transfer request internally at Bayer Leverkusen and is now open to a move to the Premier League's rising star. Initially, he preferred a transfer to one of the established English top clubs - he has now adjusted his financial demands to make a Premier League transfer possible. His new agency, which primarily represents Argentine stars, is also actively driving the transfer forward.
Under coach Carles Martínez, Palacios was planned as an aggressive midfielder in the 4-3-3 system. Whether he will still take on this role in the upcoming season is uncertain. What is clear, however, is that Ipswich must significantly increase its financial offer - otherwise, Palacios will remain at Leverkusen.
