Meet the new Blues joining Portman Road this summer

I started this list to use as reference when writing my column – I wanted to feel more familiar with all our newbies before the season starts in earnest. Then I decided I might as well share it, and get back into the flow of writing about my beloved team.

Through the door so far we have:

Issa Diop

Issa has had significant experience at Premier League level playing for West Ham for four years, before a move to Fulham in 2022. He played well and scored at the World Cup this summer, making five appearances. Not a prolific scorer, he is nevertheless a solid defender at centre-back with a good physical presence, something we have sometimes lacked in the past. With Kipre, O'Shea and Diop at the back, I think we will have a wonder wall that is tough to penetrate.

He was made captain of his first home side, Toulouse, when he was only 20 years old, so he is noticeably a dependable character.

Gary O'Neil has called him "an imposing defender with good quality and a will to win, making him an excellent addition to the group".

We used to have Ladapo and Delap, now we have Diop. Very different players, but with a strangely similar recurring ring (or is that just me)?

• Full family name: Issa Laye Lucas Jean Diop
• Born: France
• National team: Morocco
• Transferred from: Fulham
• Ipswich: Four-year contract
• Position: Centre-back
• Age: 29 years
• Height: 6ft 4ins
• Foot: Right

Emersonn

Emersonn so far is a cluster of "firsts". He was the first signing for the club this season, the first Brazilian to sign for the Tractor Boys, and this is his first time playing in England and therefore his first in the EFL Premier League.

He is said to be a young, ambitious striker who has shown huge potential so far at his previous clubs. In interview he impressed me with his obvious happiness at being here, his professed desire to please by working hard, and his upbeat, bouncy character. This is a step up in his playing career, and if all goes well, I think he will be a fans' favourite.

It will be great to watch him add to a fistful of "firsts"!

• Full family name: Emersonn Correia da Silva
• Born: Brazil
• National team: Brazil youth at all levels
• Transferred from: Toulouse
• Ipswich: Five-year contract
• Position: Striker – centre-forward
• Age: 21 years
• Height: 6ft 1ins
• Foot: Right

Abdul Fatawu

A Leicester fan has described Abdul as a speedy, out-and-out attacking winger, best on the right-hand side of the pitch. He is not a player they are at all happy about losing. As a young player he has plenty of time to improve and probably learn more about game management and technique.

I still remember the ridiculous (as in amazing) goal he scored against Town from his own half when we met Leicester at home in December 2025. A 70-yarder, he spotted Walton a distance off his line and capitalised. I hasten to add I did not appreciate its amazingness at the time – I do hope Christian has forgiven him!

Watching footage of his goals also shows he has the ability to score from outside the box, and that power can now be harnessed for Town. An exciting player, I believe.

• Full family name: Abdul Fatawu Issahaku
• Born: Ghana
• National team: Ghana
• Transferred from: Leicester City
• Ipswich: Five-year contract
• Position: Right wing
• Age: 22 years
• Height: 5ft 9ins
• Foot: Left

Kayne Van Oevelen

Kayne is a young keeper who has played at senior level and who is keen to progress his career in England. His reputation is already growing, and he has been sought after by Ajax, Leeds and Valencia.

He will strengthen Town's existing goalkeeping group and was very keen to come to the club when he heard of their interest – which is always a good sign.

The press have called him "the former plasterer with Real Madrid dreams". Town are not quite Real Madrid, but they may be a step along the way.

• Born: Holland
• National team: Nome – yet
• Transferred from: FC Volendam
• Ipswich: Five-year contract
• Position: Goalkeeper
• Age: 22 years
• Height: 6ft 6ins
• Foot: Both (allegedly)

Daizen Maeda

It's official – Maeda has signed, in a reported £10m deal. He was part of Japan's squad at the 2026 World Cup, helping them reach the last 32 before they were knocked out by Brazil, and he leaves Celtic with 79 goals in 212 appearances, along with five league titles, three Scottish Cups and two League Cups. Quite the collection.

"I have always dreamed of playing in the Premier League and I am very happy I can realise that dream with this club," Maeda said. "My aim will always be to battle hard, score goals, and provide assists for my team – I will always run and give everything that I have."

He is described as a player with pace, good defensive work and the ability to operate across the front line.

This feels like a strong addition for us. I have so far found nothing but encouraging comments about him.

• Born: Japan
• National team: Japan
• Transferred from: Celtic FC
• Ipswich: Three-year contract
• Position: Left wing
• Age: 28
• Height: 5ft 8ins

Other news

Ipswich Town are closing in on a deal for Union Saint-Gilloise goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen, having shown a willingness to match the Belgian side's demands.

Hidemasa Morita, aged 31, originally a Town target, is in the process of signing for Hull.

Possible leavers this season are rumoured to be Jaden Philogene and Harry Clarke, both of whom have had interest from other clubs.

The World Cup had caused a bit of a hiatus, shielding us from the usual gallop into a summer full of predictions and transfer rumours (I am personally not sorry the World Cup is over), but now the deals and the rumours are flying.

It has been claimed Derby are in "advanced talks" to re-sign Sammie Szmodics, who has been sanctioned to depart Portman Road in this window. He was on loan to the Rams last season, and I do not think it is a surprise to anyone that he will not be returning to play for Town. He can still be a tricky player, so he may fit well into Derby's line-up. The striker spent the second half of last season at Pride Park, bagging four goals in 13 Championship outings.

Pre-season games

Home

To tickle our taste buds, there is a run of friendly matches in the UK, starting:

Wednesday, 29 July, 19:45 at the JobServe Colchester Community Stadium – Ipswich Town v CA Osasuna FC

Our opponents are a Spanish professional football club based in Pamplona, Navarre, home ground the El Sadar Stadium. Founded in 1920, they play in La Liga, the top division of Spanish football.

Tuesday, 4 August, 19:45 (BST) – Ipswich Town v Le Havre AC

Le Havre Athletic Club is a French professional association football club based in Le Havre, Normandy. They play in Ligue 1, the first tier of French football.

Saturday, 8 August, 15:00 (BST) – Ipswich Town v Rayo Vallecano

Rayo Vallecano is a Spanish professional football club based in the Puente de Vallecas district of Madrid. The club competes in La Liga, the top flight of Spanish football.

Away

1. Oxford v Ipswich Town
2. High Wycombe v Ipswich Town

Two separate Town XIs will face the U's and the Chairboys on Saturday, 1 August, at 12:00 and 16:00 respectively.

Tickets from the ITFC official website.

Finally

Roll on the start of the season. I think it is going to be exciting with our shiny new team. It is impossible to please all of the fans all of the time, and we all have our favourites, but so far I think we have every reason to feel optimistic about our latest additions. Proof of the pudding, of course, but bring it on – COYBs

N.B. This is the status quo to the best of my knowledge as of Mon July. Things change so quickly at this stage! I may have more news of signings very soon.

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