Ipswich Town and Hull City are now in a battle to sign Lazio defender Luca Pellegrini, following a fresh update on the future of Toulouse star Emersonn.
Having both been promoted to the Premier League, it is no surprise Ipswich and Hull are sniffing around to sign the same players, and both clubs have expressed an interest in striker Emersonn.
However, in a fresh development, it has emerged the Tractor Boys are set to win the race for the Brazilian’s signature, having had a bid of nearly £20m accepted.
Having lost out on Emersonn to a rival Premier League club, the Tigers will now be hoping to get their own back in the race for a defender.
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Football FanCast’s Verdict |
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Credibility |
Pellegrini is a left-back by trade, which is an area both clubs may need to strengthen. Hull were widely linked with a move for former left-back Andy Robertson prior to his move to Tottenham Hotspur. Ipswich, on the other hand, are lacking natural left-backs beyond Leif Davis. |
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Finances |
It is unclear what sort of fee Lazio are looking for, but he has just one year remaining on his contract, which weakens the Serie A side’s negotiating position. |
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Insight |
Both sides could do with bringing in players with top-level experience if they are going to avoid the drop. The full-back has 12 appearances to his name in the Champions League, while he has also represented Italy on one occasion. |
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Impact |
At Portman Road, the Italian could be capable of pushing for Davis’ place in the starting XI, considering the 26-year-old has spent the majority of his career in the lower leagues. There may also be space for Hull to sign a new left-back, having agreed to part ways with Brandon Williams by mutual consent in February. |
Ipswich and Hull hold advantage in race for Luca Pellegrini
According to a report from LazioNews.eu (via Sport Witness), Ipswich and Hull are now going head-to-head in the race for Pellegrini’s signature.
Espanyol are also keen, but the two Premier League sides are likely to have more money to spend this summer, which gives them the edge on the Spanish side.
Why Luca Pellegrini could excel at Ipswich or Hull
Turkish scout Salih has praised the one-cap Italy international for his crossing ability, pace and defensive attributes, saying: “He can play both as a left back and as a left wing back. His feet are solid. His crosses are quite good; he’s a fast, rock-solid left back.”
Although the Lazio defender has no experience in England, he has tested himself in the Champions League, Europa League, Bundesliga and Serie A, making 141 appearances in the competition, during which time he’s amassed two goals and 16 assists.
The former Eintracht Frankfurt man set up six of those goals in the 2024-25 season alone, during which time he also averaged 1.6 interceptions per 90, which was the joint-highest number in the Lazio squad.
Pellegrini is strong from a defensive point of view, but also capable of contributing on the front foot, which indicates he could be an exciting signing for either Ipswich or Hull.
