Ipswich submit opening bid for Toulouse striker Emersonn in Hull hijack

Ipswich Submit Bid for Toulouse Striker Emersonn

Ipswich Town have intensified their search for a new centre-forward by submitting an opening bid for Toulouse star Emersonn, as they prepare for life back in the Premier League.

The Tractor Boys are keen to bolster their attacking options ahead of the new season, with Bournemouth’s Daniel Jebbison also on their radar. BBC Radio Suffolk’s Graeme McLoughlin has underlined the urgency of the situation, pointing to the squad’s lack of firepower.

“It’s glaringly obvious that a proven goalscorer is needed,” said McLoughlin. “The current group has just 14 Premier League goals combined, with captain Dara O’Shea and George Hirst leading the way on only three apiece.”

Emersonn, who joined Toulouse from Turkish side Göztepe last summer, impressed in his debut Ligue 1 campaign. ESPN’s Luiz Carlos Largo described the 21-year-old as one of the French club’s “standout” performers. However, his return of six goals and two assists in 27 league matches suggests there is room for improvement.

With George Hirst managing just 11 goals in 42 Championship appearances last season, manager Gary O’Neil is under pressure to find a reliable finisher if Ipswich are to avoid an immediate return to the second tier.

Financial Implications

Hull City have already tabled a £22.3m offer for the Brazilian, indicating that Ipswich may need to pay a significant fee to secure his signature. The club have shown a willingness to spend, having previously discussed a £26m deal for Lille defender Alexsandro.

Assessing the Fit

While Emersonn’s Premier League inexperience makes him a gamble as a primary striker, his exposure to a major European league could still make him a more viable option than Hirst. His arrival would also likely push Chuba Akpom further down the pecking order, after the 30-year-old managed just two Championship goals last term.

Alternative Targets

Reports have suggested that a surprise return for Chelsea’s Liam Delap could be on the cards. The forward scored 12 goals in 37 Premier League appearances during his previous spell at Portman Road and may represent a more dependable option.

What remains certain is that O’Neil must upgrade his attack. Hirst scored only three top-flight goals in the 2024–25 campaign, and his recent form offers little assurance that he can thrive at a higher level this time around.

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