Top loan players of the McKenna erapublished at 11:41 BST
11:41 BST
Image source, Getty Images
BBC Radio Suffolk's Graeme McLoughlin and Harvey Bell continue their (3 in 4) Top 5 Ipswich series with a look at Town's most notable loan players.
Bell described one of his top loan players: "George Hirst. This is ignoring pretty much anything he's done in the last three years, solely basing this on his six months at the back end of the 2022-23 season.
"He was brilliant, exactly what we needed. Freddie Ladapo didn't have anyone challenging him at the time for the striker position. Hirst scored six goals at the end of that season, including the one at Barnsley."
Gossip: Maeda set for Ipswich medicalpublished at 10:23 BST 23 July
10:23 BST 23 July
Japan forward Daizen Maeda, 28, is scheduled to have a medical with Ipswich Town before completing his transfer from Celtic for an initial £8m plus £2m in add-ons. (Sky Sports, external)
'An imposing defender with good quality' - Diop signs from Fulhampublished at 14:45 BST 22 July
14:45 BST 22 July
Image source, Getty Images
Issa Diop says he knows Ipswich Town is "the right place for me" after his move from Fulham was confirmed on Wednesday.
The 29-year-old central defender has signed a four-year deal until 2030 after representing Morocco at this summer's World Cup,
He played five of his country's games - scoring against the Netherlands - as they reached the quarter-finals.
"I'm excited to take the next step in my career at Ipswich Town," Diop told club media.
"I know how big the club is and have enjoyed all of the conversations I have had before making the move. I know this is the right place for me.
"It has been a busy summer for me, representing Morocco at the World Cup, but I am proud to be joining Ipswich Town and am looking forward to meeting the staff, my team-mates and the supporters very soon."
Alongside his international exploits, Diop brings with him the experience of 173 Premier League games in four-year spells at both Fulham and West Ham respectively.
"Issa is an experienced player who has played a significant amount of his career in the Premier League, so we're delighted to have him with us," added Ipswich boss Gary O'Neil.
"He is an imposing defender with good quality and a will to win, making him an excellent addition to the group.
"Having played and scored at the World Cup this summer, we're looking forward to Issa joining up with the squad soon."
Maeda in, Philogene out? Your Ipswich squad tweakspublished at 08:46 BST 22 July
08:46 BST 22 July
Image source, Getty Images
We asked you to pick one player you would like to move on this summer and one realistic target you want Ipswich to bring in before the transfer window shuts.
Here are some of your suggestions:
Shaun: I would love to sign Zian Flemming from Burnley and I would offload George Hirst if possible.
Reuben: I would say (and some people might disagree with me) that Jack Clarke should leave the club, as long as Jaden Philogene stays. I think we should cash in on a player who's had a good season but is really not good enough for the top division. He was practically non-existent in our last season in the Premier League and I still think he won't be good in the top flight. He has shown some great performances, but he has been sloppy in many areas of his game.
James: Daizen Maeda from Celtic would be great. He is an all-action forward, with goals and assists to his game. I would say a reluctant goodbye to Philogene. If he has designs on leaving. It isn't good to hold on to a player with those intentions.
John: I heard Ipswich are in for Maeda from Celtic. Do not hang about - this guy can run and run, and gives 100% no matter where he starts (but he is best out wide on the left).
George: We should go all out for Liam Delap. Bring him back on a season-long loan with an option to buy. It would suit all three parties, especially after a confidence-destroying spell at Chelsea.
Check your World Cup Predictor results - and start playing our new gamepublished at 08:26 BST 22 July
08:26 BST 22 July
Now the dust has settled on the 2026 World Cup, you can officially review your Predictor results for the tournament.
If you played more than four rounds, BBC Sport has done a deep dive into your predictions, tournament performance and compared you to other players.
Don't worry, though, Predictor isn't stopping at international tournaments! Pre-season has kicked off and there are plenty of friendlies and European qualifiers to keep us occupied before the new season gets under way.
So how do you fancy your chances of correctly predicting the scores for our six selected matches every week?
BBC Sport has launched a new weekly Predictor game to cover the 2026-27 season, allowing users to pick what they think will be the result from six fixtures from across the leagues.
There will usually be a Friday deadline and the game will also feature streaks, so make sure to build it into your weekly football habits.
If you're wondering how to play, here are a few easy steps:
Click on the link above to take you to the selections page.
For every match, you either choose a winning team or select a draw - once your prediction has been submitted you won't be able to change it, so be sure to pick carefully.
Then wait for the results to roll in to see how you have done.
Share your results with your friends and family.
Every consecutive round you play adds one to your streak, but if you miss a round then your streak will reset to zero.
Are transfer fees actually bigger now?published at 08:04 BST 22 July
08:04 BST 22 July
Mohamed Moallim BBC Sport Journalist
Image source, Getty Images
The Premier League's financial landscape has changed dramatically over the past decade. Since 2016 total summer transfer spending has risen from £1.16bn to a record £3.19bn in 2025 – an increase of almost 175%.
On the surface, that suggests transfer figures are continuing to accelerate. Headline fees, though, tell only part of the story.
Research by Kieran Maguire and colleagues at the University of Liverpool suggests some of the Premier League's earlier record signings represented even greater investments when measured against clubs' buying power at the time.
Using Premier League broadcasting revenues as an index, Alan Shearer's £15m move from Blackburn Rovers to Newcastle United in 1996 remains the league's biggest transfer relative to clubs' spending power. Rio Ferdinand's £29.1m move to Manchester United in 2002 and Juan Sebastian Veron's £28.1m arrival at Old Trafford in 2001 also rank above any of this summer's blockbuster deals.
The same model suggests Trevor Francis' £1m move from Birmingham City to Forest in 1979 – English football's first £1m transfer – would equate to about £173m in today's market.
That does not mean the fees paid for Morgan Rogers, Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali were modest. Rather, it reflects how dramatically Premier League revenues have grown, allowing clubs to spend sums that would once have been unimaginable.
When Jack Grealish became Britain's first £100m footballer when joining City from Villa in 2021, the transfer marked another turning point in the evolution of the market.
Only five years later, nine-figure deals are no longer viewed as extraordinary. They have become a familiar feature of Premier League transfer windows.
The next milestone may not be far away.
While no Premier League club has yet paid £200m for a player, football's financial ceiling continues to rise and the first transfer of that magnitude no longer feels beyond the realms of possibility.
'I'm excited to show what I can do' - Fatawu joins Ipswichpublished at 17:01 BST 21 July
17:01 BST 21 July
Image source, Getty Images
Ipswich Town's newest signing Abdul Fatawu says he already understands the "ambition" and "expectation" of the club as a return to the top flight nears.
The winger, who joins the Tractor Boys on a five-year deal from Leicester City, scored nine goals and contributed eight assists across 44 Championship appearances last season.
"I am proud to have signed for Ipswich Town," Fatawu said. "The ambition the club has is very exciting and I'm looking forward to being a part of that as we prepare for the Premier League season.
"After speaking to the manager, I know what the expectation is and I'm looking forward to meeting my team-mates and starting work.
"I have played against Ipswich a few times during my time in England and I know how passionate the supporters are for the club, so I'm excited to play for them and show them what I can do."
The 22-year-old featured in all of Ghana's games at this summer's World Cup, an achievement which saw him surpass 30 appearances for his country.
Ipswich boss Gary O'Neil added: "He is a young player who has already gained good experience in the game. We are excited to have him with us.
"He has strong physical and technical attributes, he is comfortable on the ball and he can test the opposition in one-on-one situations, so he will provide us with good options within the squad."
Fatawu will join the first team squad for Ipswich's pre-season training camp in Spain later this week.
Van Oevelen will 'strengthen' us - O'Neil on goalkeeper signingpublished at 13:10 BST 21 July
13:10 BST 21 July
Image source, Getty Images
"It was a move I knew I wanted to make," says Ipswich Town's newest signing Kayne van Oevelen after penning a five-year deal at Portman Road.
The 22-year-old goalkeeper, who joins the Tractor Boys from boyhood club FC Volendam, made 32 appearances and kept three clean sheets in the Eredivisie last season.
"As soon as I knew Ipswich were interested, it was a move I knew I wanted to make," van Oevelen said. "I'm excited to be here, to continue my career in England and to learn from everyone at a big club like this.
"It is an exciting time for this club, being back in the Premier League, and I'm looking forward to meeting everyone and getting started."
New boss Gary O'Neil added: "We are pleased to be able to add him to our goalkeeping unit. He is a young goalkeeper, who has had a good taste of senior football in Volendam, and wants to continue to progress his career in England.
"He joins a good goalkeeping group at the club and he will strengthen us in that area of the pitch."
Van Oevelen is set to link up with the first team squad at Ipswich's pre-season training camp in Spain later this week.
'A very infectious person' - Mathiepublished at 09:21 BST 21 July
09:21 BST 21 July
Image source, Getty Images
Former Newcastle and Ipswich Town striker Alex Mathie has paid tribute to Kevin Keegan.
Keegan - who died on Monday - signed Mathie for Newcastle in 1993.
Mathie told BBC Radio Suffolk's The Blue Hour: "Very sad, really very sad. They've lost a football great there as a player, a manager and a person.
"He was a great guy, he signed me from Morton and set me on my career that I had. He made me a better player as well. Really sad news.
"He loved football, he loved Newcastle. A very infectious person. Makes you want to work hard for them and do well for them.
"He was never defensive, he was always attack-minded. He never played side to side, always played forward. Just as a person, you could talk to him. He was a really top guy.
"He was brilliant, he played attractive football. That's what Newcastle fans loved about him, he played attractive football, forward-thinking football and tried to score goals at every opportunity.
"You wouldn't think he was a superstar when he played, because he was very humble.
"He was always in five a-sides. That's what his training was all about. He was always laughing and joking with the players."
Why are Premier League transfer fees soaring?published at 07:45 BST 21 July
07:45 BST 21 July
Image source, Getty Images
Thirty-four years ago a £13m transfer caused national outrage in Italy.
When AC Milan signed Gianluigi Lentini from Torino in 1992 for a then world record fee, newspapers called the deal "obscene", while the Vatican's official newspaper described it as "an offence against the dignity of work".
Today that fee would barely register among the Premier League's biggest transfers.
These are not the only major deals. Tottenham also agreed an £85m move for West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes, Barcelona paid £69m to sign Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United, and Manchester United spent £50m on Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos.
It is the first transfer window in Premier League history to produce three £100m-plus signings - and there are still weeks to go before deadline day on 1 September.
During the 2025 summer window English top-flight clubs spent a record £3bn.
So why are transfer fees continuing to climb? Why are clubs paying record sums for players already playing in England? And why are more clubs willing to sell some of their biggest stars?
One in, one out: Who should Ipswich target?published at 17:35 BST 20 July
17:35 BST 20 July
With the 2026 World Cup done and dusted, the return of club football is back on everyone's minds.
Pre-season preparations are under way and we want you to have a think about Ipswich's squad.
Tell us one player you would like to move on this summer and one realistic target - away from expected signing Abdul Fatawu - you want Town to bring in before the transfer window shuts.
Fatawu has Ipswich medicalpublished at 12:52 BST 20 July
12:52 BST 20 July
Nick Mashiter and Nizaar Kinsella Football reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Abdul Fatawu is having a medical at Ipswich as part of a £20m move from Leicester.
The winger is due to become the latest player to leave the Foxes since their relegation from the Championship.
Fatawu will join Gary O'Neil's Ipswich side after scoring 16 goals in 100 games for Leicester since initially joining on loan from Sporting Lisbon in 2023.
Ipswich are planning for the Premier League under O'Neil after Kieran McKenna decided to leave Portman Road in May, despite guiding the club to a second Premier League promotion.
Fatawu will be the latest departure from Leicester as new manager Russell Martin shapes his Foxes squad for their League One campaign.
Leicester have already sold Jeremy Monga to Manchester City and Harry Winks to Cagliari while Victor Kristiansen has joined Panathinaikos on loan.
Jannik Vestergaard also had his contract ended by mutual consent while Patson Daka, Ricardo Pereira and Jordan Ayew were among the senior players released following relegation.
Atherton joins Ipswich Town from Chelseapublished at 20:02 BST 17 July
20:02 BST 17 July
Image source, Presseye
Image caption,
Chris Atherton played for Irish League club Glenavon before moving to Chelsea
Ipswich Town have confirmed the signing of 17-year-old midfielder Chris Atherton from Premier League rivals Chelsea.
The Republic of Ireland youth international moved to Stamford Bridge last summer, having made 32 senior appearances for then Irish Premiership side Glenavon.
He signed a professional contract in October and was a regular in Chelsea's U17 and U18 sides.
Atherton made history during his time at the Lurgan Blues in September 2022 when he became the youngest senior footballer in the United Kingdom at 13 years and 329 days old.
In February, it was revealed that the then Chelsea academy player had switched his international allegiance from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland.
The teenager had previously represented Northern Ireland at Under-16 and Under-17 level and scored one international goal.
"I'm delighted to be here and can't wait to get started," said Atherton.
"I hope to offer a lot of creativity and attacking threat going forward and obviously working as hard as possible to get better every day."
Ipswich's Academy Manager Ben Chenery added: "We are extremely pleased to announce the signing of Chris Atherton from Chelsea.
"Chris is an exciting attacking player we believe possesses big potential which we look forward to continuing to develop through the next stage of his career."
'The matchday experience... I love it!' - fans on club football's returnpublished at 11:35 BST 17 July
11:35 BST 17 July
Image source, Getty Images
With pre-season officially in full swing, we asked you to tell us what you're looking forward to about club football returning.
Here are some of your replies:
Ollie: Plenty to look forward to for Town fans. Another summer of change. Gary O'Neil has taken over from our beloved Kieran McKenna. Although there have been a lot of mixed emotions around the departure and arrival, Town fans will get behind the manager and the team come the first game against Sunderland. We have the opportunity to have a second crack at the big league. It's fair to say the club is in a better position from our last promotion, and fans will know what to expect from the season. We're all hopeful we can avoid relegation this time.
David: A solid team with loads of spirit that gives 100% each game.
Steve: The excitement of the matchday experience, from my journey to Portman Road, being in the fan zone, having a burger, meeting up with my son then the football, cheering the team on win, lose or draw, the banter. It's also my escape from daily life. I love it!
Tiny: Some more new signings. Hopefully we will stay up.
James: Looking forward to being back in the Premier League and hopefully finishing above Spurs.
Tim: Seeing so many well-known players and managers at Portman Road again will be great. VAR much less welcome!
Will: O'Neil still being in post after Christmas because the team are performing to the required level to have at least a decent shout of survival.
Winger Philogene ready to leave Ipswichpublished at 19:54 BST 16 July
19:54 BST 16 July
Nick Mashiter Football reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Jaden Philogene is ready to leave Ipswich Town, with the winger attracting interest in Europe.
The 24-year-old has a growing list of admirers, believed to include Bologna, Roma and Benfica.
Ipswich are aware of Philogene's desire to leave and are unlikely to stand in his way if a suitable offer comes in.
The former Hull City and Aston Villa man is understood to be eager to play in Europe having helped the Tractor Boys return to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
Despite his expected exit, Philogene has returned for pre-season focused and impressed with his attitude, having appeared detached at times last term.
He scored 13 goals in 36 games for Ipswich last season - including in both games against Norwich City as Town completed the double over their rivals for the first time since 1992-93.
They finished second in the Championship, behind champions Coventry City, but boss Kieran McKenna stepped down in May and has been replaced by Gary O'Neil.
Former England Under-21 international Philogene joined from Villa in January 2025 for £20m and has scored 16 times in 47 appearances for Ipswich.
He started his career at Villa Park before moving to Hull in 2023, scoring 12 goals in 32 games, before Villa re-signed him a year later despite initial interest from Ipswich at the time.
Biggest rivalries of the McKenna erapublished at 10:40 BST 16 July
10:40 BST 16 July
Image source, Getty Images
BBC Radio Suffolk's Graeme McLoughlin and Harvey Bell continue their (3 in 4) Top 5 Ipswich series with a discussion around the club's biggest rivals during Kieran McKenna's tenure.
From Plymouth Argyle pipping Town to the League One title in 2022-23 to knocking six goals past Sheffield Wednesday at Portman Road in 2023-24 - the pair delve into it all.
Image source, Getty Images
