Ipswich Town have bolstered their defensive options by finalizing the acquisition of center-back Issa Diop from Fulham for a fee of £8.5 million. The Morocco international has signed a contract that ties him to the club until the summer of 2030.
The 29-year-old brings significant top-flight know-how, having previously featured for West Ham and Fulham. His transfer follows a busy summer where he represented Morocco in their impressive run to the World Cup quarter-finals.
Diop seals move to Portman Road
Diop shared his excitement after finalizing the move to Ipswich Town, calling it a crucial step forward in his career. He noted that conversations with the club’s management convinced him this was the ideal destination.
The defender acknowledged the club’s proud history and said he is eager to collaborate with the coaching team, connect with his new squad mates, and perform for the fans on matchdays.
Despite spending part of the summer on international duty with Morocco at the World Cup, Diop stated he feels proud to join Ipswich and is ready to start this new chapter.
Vast Premier League experience strengthens backline
Diop provides a wealth of elite-level experience, having made 173 Premier League appearances during his stints with West Ham and Fulham.
He first moved to England in 2018 when West Ham brought him in from Toulouse. After four years with the Hammers, he transferred to Fulham in 2022 for £15 million.
In total, Diop featured in 96 matches for Fulham across all competitions. However, he started only eight Premier League games last season before completing his switch to Ipswich Town.
Ipswich Town maintain active summer recruitment
Diop’s arrival marks the club’s sixth signing of the summer as Ipswich continue to reinforce their squad after earning promotion from the Championship last season.
Earlier this week, the club secured the £20 million signing of Ghanaian winger Abdul Fatawu from Leicester City.
Ipswich also added striker Emersonn from Toulouse for a club-record fee of approximately £26 million earlier this month.
Permanent deals were completed for defender Cedric Kipre and forward Chuba Akpom following successful loan spells last season, while goalkeeper Kayne van Oevelen joined from Dutch club FC Volendam.