adminIpswich Town’s busy summer transfer window shows no signs of slowing down, with the Tractor Boys now leading the race to land a big-money signing ahead of fellow promoted side Hull City.
Under new boss Gary O’Neil, the Portman Road hierarchy have been hard at work behind the scenes. Since securing promotion back to the Premier League, Ipswich have bolstered every area of the pitch with eight new arrivals—spanning defence, attack, and goalkeeping—at a combined cost of over £80 million.
One department yet to be strengthened, however, is midfield. But that looks set to change, as the club appear to have zeroed in on their top target.
Ipswich and Hull in race for Burnley ace
According to Sky Sports reporter Luca Bendoni, Ipswich are edging closer to a permanent deal with Burnley for Florentino Luis.
Further talks are scheduled between the two clubs over a fee in the region of €20 million (£17.1 million). Hull City, by contrast, had been hoping to secure the midfielder on an initial loan with an option to buy.
Ipswich’s willingness to push for a permanent transfer straight away appears to have given them the upper hand in negotiations.
Despite Burnley’s relegation last season, Florentino was one of their standout performers and has recently been described as a “very important player” by new Clarets boss Nicky Hayen.
The 26-year-old made 31 top-flight appearances, registered two assists, and averaged more tackles per 90 minutes than any other Burnley player.
Renowned for his positional awareness, tackling ability, and composure under pressure, Florentino could offer the defensive stability needed to unlock the attacking potential of Ipswich’s more forward-thinking players.
With Premier League experience from last season and a strong pedigree developed at Benfica, he looks ready to make an immediate impact at Portman Road—and, at 26, appears to be entering his prime years.
Should talks continue to move in the right direction, Florentino could become Ipswich’s new midfield anchor alongside the likes of Azor Matusiwa and Marcelino Nunez—adding another key piece to the jigsaw ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
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