Ipswich have continued their recruitment ahead of their return to the Premier League by signing Issa Diop from Fulham for a fee reported to be in the region of £8million.
The centre-half has significant top-flight experience having made 173 appearances for West Ham and Fulham and has signed a four-year deal at Portman Road.
Diop is Ipswich’s sixth summer signing as they look to make a better fist of life in the Premier League than in 2023/24 when they suffered an immediate return to the Championship.
The 29-year-old played in all five of Morocco’s games at the World Cup as the African champions reached the quarter-finals.
Ipswich boss Gary O’Neil told the club’s official website: “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.
“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.”
Ipswich is the right place for me – Diop
Diop, who joins Abdul Fatawu, Emersonn and Kayne van Oevelen in moving to Suffolk this summer, as well as former loanees Cedric Kipre and Chuba Akpom whose deals have been made permanent, will join up with the squad following the training camp in La Manga.
“I’m excited to take the next step in my career at Ipswich Town,” said Diop.
“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 teammates and the supporters very soon.”
