Ipswich Seal Deal For Morocco Defender Issa Diop

Ipswich Town have completed the signing of Morocco international defender Issa Diop from Premier League rivals Fulham for an undisclosed fee, the club confirmed.

The 29-year-old centre-back has committed to a long-term deal at Portman Road that runs until the summer of 2030, becoming the latest addition to Kieran McKenna’s squad as the Tractor Boys prepare for their return to top-flight football.

Diop arrives with considerable Premier League pedigree, having made 173 appearances in England’s top division across spells with Fulham and West Ham United. His experience is expected to shore up an Ipswich defence that will face a significant step up in quality following the club’s promotion from the Championship last season.

The French-born defender, who earned five caps for Morocco and featured in the Atlas Lions’ run to the World Cup quarter-finals, expressed his enthusiasm about the move after holding productive talks with the club’s hierarchy.

“I’m excited to take the next step in my career at Ipswich Town,” Diop said. “I know how big the club is and have enjoyed all of the conversations I have had before making the move. I know this is the right place for me.

“It has been a busy summer for me, representing Morocco at the World Cup, but I am proud to be joining Ipswich Town and am looking forward to meeting the staff, my team-mates and the supporters very soon.”

Diop initially arrived in English football from French side Toulouse in 2018, spending four seasons with West Ham before completing a £15m switch to Fulham in 2022. During his time at Craven Cottage, he made 96 appearances across all competitions, though his game time diminished last season with only eight Premier League starts to his name.

The Moroccan international becomes Ipswich’s sixth signing of an ambitious summer transfer window. Earlier this week, the club secured Ghana winger Abdul Fatawu from Leicester City for £20m, while striker Emersonn joined from Toulouse earlier this month in a club-record deal worth approximately £26m.

Defender Cedric Kipre and forward Chuba Akpom have also made their loan moves permanent following successful spells with the club last season, and goalkeeper Kayne van Oevelen arrived from Dutch side FC Volendam to provide additional depth between the posts.

With Diop now on board, Ipswich continue to strengthen across the pitch as they aim to establish themselves in the Premier League following their promotion campaign.

The club have not disclosed the financial details of the transfer, but the move represents a significant statement of intent from the Suffolk outfit as they build a squad capable of competing at the highest level.