Ipswich Town have strengthened their squad by completing the signing of defender Issa Diop from Fulham in a deal worth £8.5 million. The Moroccan international has agreed to a contract that will keep him at the club until the summer of 2030.
The 29-year-old arrives with extensive Premier League experience after representing both West Ham and Fulham. His move comes after a busy summer in which he featured for Morocco during their run to the World Cup quarter-finals.
Issa Diop completes Ipswich Town move
Diop expressed his enthusiasm after becoming an Ipswich Town player, describing the transfer as the right step in his career. He also highlighted the positive discussions he had with the club before deciding to make the move.
The defender said he is aware of the club’s stature and is looking forward to working with the coaching staff, meeting his new teammates, and playing in front of the supporters.
Although he spent part of the summer representing Morocco at the World Cup, Diop said he is proud to have joined Ipswich and is eager to begin the next chapter of his career.
Premier League experience adds quality to defence
Diop brings a wealth of top-flight experience after making 173 Premier League appearances across his spells with West Ham and Fulham.
He first arrived in England in 2018 when West Ham signed him from Toulouse. After four seasons with the Hammers, he completed a £15 million move to Fulham in 2022.
Across all competitions, Diop played 96 matches for Fulham, although he started only eight Premier League games during the previous campaign before securing his transfer to Ipswich Town.
Ipswich Town continue busy summer recruitment
The arrival of Diop makes him the club’s sixth signing of the summer as Ipswich continue to strengthen following promotion from the Championship last season.
Earlier this week, the club completed the £20 million signing of Ghana winger Abdul Fatawu from Leicester.
Ipswich also brought in striker Emersonn from Toulouse for a club-record fee of about £26 million earlier this month.
Permanent deals were completed for defender Cedric Kipre and forward Chuba Akpom after successful loan spells last season, while goalkeeper Kayne van Oevelen joined from Dutch side FC Volendam.
