Ipswich Town have completed the signing of Morocco international centre-back Issa Diop from Fulham in a deal worth around €10m (£8.4m), strengthening their defence ahead of their return to the Premier League.
The 29-year-old, who stands at 1.94m (6ft 4in), leaves Fulham after four seasons but remains in England, with Ipswich confirming the move on their official website on Wednesday. Diop has signed a long-term contract with the Tractor Boys running until 30 June 2030.
Premier League experience for newly promoted side
Diop brings significant top-flight experience to the newly promoted club, having previously played in the Premier League for both West Ham United and Fulham.
Last season, the Atlas Lions defender featured in 13 league matches for Fulham, scoring one goal. His aerial power and composure in possession have been highlighted as key attributes that Ipswich hope will help them meet the demands of the Premier League.
The Suffolk club, back in the top division for the first time since 2002, have been seeking to reinforce their back line to cope with the higher level of competition.
Diop: ‘I know this is the right place for me’
After completing his move, Diop spoke of his excitement at joining Ipswich and of the importance of the decision in his career.
He said:
“Je suis ravi de franchir la prochaine etape de ma carriere a Ipswich Town. Je sais a quel point ce club est important, et j’ai beaucoup apprecie toutes les conversations que j’ai eues avant de prendre ma decision. Je sais que c’est le bon endroit pour moi.
“J’ai eu un ete charge cet ete, avec la Coupe du Monde ou j’ai represente le Maroc, mais je suis fier de rejoindre Ipswich Town, et j’ai hate de rencontrer tres prochainement le staff, mes coequipiers et les supporters.”
The defender, who represented Morocco at the recent World Cup, said the discussions he held with Ipswich officials convinced him that Portman Road was the ideal setting for the next phase of his career.
Transfer battle and market value
Diop’s market value is currently estimated at €8m on specialist website Transfermarkt, indicating Ipswich have paid a premium to secure his services on a lengthy deal.
Italian side Como were also interested in signing the Morocco international, but Fulham rejected the Serie B club’s offer, according to a report originally revealed by Africafoot. That opened the door for Ipswich to move into pole position and finalise an agreement.
By opting to stay in the Premier League rather than move abroad, Diop maintains his profile at the highest level while offering Ipswich a blend of physicality, experience and calm distribution from the back as they seek to establish themselves in the top flight.
