Ipswich Town want to sign a new centre-forward this summer, and a bid has now been submitted for Toulouse star Emersonn.
The Tractor Boys are searching for a new striker ahead of a return to the Premier League, with AFC Bournemouth’s Daniel Jebbison also of interest, and BBC Radio Suffolk reporter Graeme McLoughlin has stressed the importance of strengthening the forward line.
McLoughlin said: “It is glaringly obvious that a proven goalscorer is required. The current squad has 14 Premier League goals between them, with captain Dara O’Shea and George Hirst joint top of that particular chart with three each.”
Emersonn made the move to Ligue 1 from Turkish Super Lig side Goztepe last summer, and he impressed during his debut campaign, being described as one of the French side’s “standout” players by ESPN’s Luiz Carlos Largo.
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Football FanCast’s Verdict |
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Credibility |
It is vital Ipswich get another striker through the door, considering George Hirst finished the 2025-26 campaign on just 11 goals in 42 Championship games. If Gary O’Neil’s side are going to stand any chance of avoiding the drop, they will need a reliable goalscorer. |
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Finances |
Rival suitors Hull City have made a £22.3m offer for the Brazilian striker, which suggests Ipswich may need to shell out a relatively big fee to get a deal over the line. However, they have expressed a willingness to spend big, having discussed a £26m deal for Lille defender Alexsandro. |
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Insight |
The Toulouse star bagged six goals and two assists in 27 games during his debut season in Ligue 1, which is arguably a relatively modest return. However, he is still only 21-years-old, which means there is plenty of time to develop further. |
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Impact |
The youngster’s experience in a major European league means he may be a more suitable option than Hirst to lead the line. The move would also surely push Chuba Akpom further down the pecking order, with the 30-year-old scoring just two Championship goals last term. |
Ipswich make bid for Emersonn
According to a report from Sky Sports, Ipswich have now submitted an opening bid for Emersonn, who is also of interest to soon-to-be Premier League rivals Hull City.
The Tigers have already made a £22.3m offer for the South American, but they are now facing competition in the race for his signature.
Why Ipswich need to sign experiened striker alongside Emersonn
The former Goztepe man enjoyed a decent debut campaign in France, netting seven goals in all competitions, but his lack of experience in the Premier League means he could be a risky signing for the Tractor Boys, at least as their main striker.
There have been suggestions Liam Delap could make a surprise return to Portman Road, and the Chelsea centre-forward could be a more suitable signing, having netted 12 goals in 37 Premier League games for Ipswich during the 2024-25 season.
One thing that’s clear is O’Neil needs to upgrade his attack, with Hirst scoring just three Premier League goals in the 2024-25 campaign, and his performances last season don’t indicate he is ready to make the step-up this time around either.
Major update on Guillaume Restes’ future emerges as Ipswich storm into the race
The Tractor Boys want to sign a new goalkeeper.
