Exequiel Palacios joins Ipswich in permanent move from Bayer Leverkusen

Bayer Leverkusen have confirmed that Argentina international midfielder Exequiel Palacios has completed a permanent transfer to Premier League club Ipswich.

The 27-year-old leaves Germany after establishing himself as an important member of Leverkusen’s team and will now have the opportunity to continue his career in England. The move represents a new challenge for Palacios after several seasons in the Bundesliga.

Leverkusen sporting managing director Simon Rolfes said the midfielder had earned the chance to test himself in the Premier League following his contribution to the club.

“With this transfer, we are fulfilling Exequiel Palacios’ great desire to test himself in the Premier League after his outstanding spell in the Bundesliga,” Rolfes said.

“Pala has repeatedly demonstrated his excellent footballing ability and, through his character and attitude, has earned great respect from his teammates and everyone at the club.”

Palacios made 186 appearances for Bayer Leverkusen, scoring 15 goals and registering 17 assists during his time with the club. His departure brings to an end a period in which he developed into an established midfielder in German football.

The Argentina international said Bayer Leverkusen had played a central role in his progress and that the club’s support had helped shape him as a player.

“I grew into the footballer I am today at Bayer 04,” Palacios said. “The club trusted me here, and I was able to develop everything that defines me on the pitch today.”

Palacios also used his farewell message to acknowledge the people who supported him during his spell in Germany. He thanked his former team-mates, the club’s staff and the supporters before starting the next stage of his career with Ipswich.

“I will always remain connected to the boys, all the staff and the fans, and I will be firmly cheering Bayer 04 on during their matches,” he said.

“Thank you for everything, and thank you to a great club.”

Rolfes said Leverkusen wished Palacios well as he begins life in the Premier League.

“We wish him all the very best for his time in England,” Rolfes said.

Palacios leaves Bayer Leverkusen with 186 appearances, 15 goals and 17 assists to his name. His move to Ipswich gives him the chance to experience English football after an outstanding spell in the Bundesliga, while Leverkusen retain fond memories of a player they believe earned the respect of those around him through both his ability and his attitude.

The transfer was confirmed by Bayer Leverkusen on Thursday, 28 August 2026.

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