Ipswich Agree £11m Deal to Sign Blackburn Star Sammie Szmodics After Prolonged Negotiations

Ipswich Town have agreed to sign Blackburn Rovers forward Sammie Szmodics in a deal that could rise to £11m, ending a six-week transfer saga. After multiple bids were initially rejected, both clubs have finally reached an agreement for the Championship’s top scorer from last season.

The deal will see Ipswich pay an upfront fee of £9m, with add-ons potentially bringing the total to £11m. Szmodics is expected to undergo a medical in Suffolk as he inches closer to sealing his move to Portman Road.

Negotiations between the two clubs began in early July but were drawn out due to disagreements over the transfer fee. Blackburn initially held firm on their valuation of over £15m for the 27-goal striker, while Ipswich believed that figure was unrealistic. However, a breakthrough was made this week, with both sides compromising to finalize the deal.

Blackburn’s frustration with the protracted talks had been growing, while Ipswich were eager to secure Szmodics as they continue strengthening their squad ahead of their Premier League return. With the transfer window approaching its final weeks, the deal marks a major addition for Ipswich, who have made significant moves to bolster their roster.

In addition to Szmodics, England midfielder Kalvin Phillips is also expected to join Ipswich on a season-long loan from Manchester City, as revealed on Thursday. The addition of Phillips, along with Szmodics, signals Ipswich’s ambitions as they gear up for top-flight football.

The arrival of Szmodics will raise expectations at Ipswich, with fans hopeful that he can replicate his prolific goal-scoring form in the Premier League. His clinical finishing and versatility across the forward line could make him a key figure in Ipswich’s bid to stay competitive in the top division.

The completion of this transfer underlines Ipswich’s intent to establish themselves in the Premier League, with Szmodics set to join a squad buzzing with confidence and optimism for the season ahead.