Ranking the most expensive signings in Ipswich Town history

Ipswich Town are one of the most iconic clubs in English football despite their downfall in the last few years. They turned professional in 1938 and won multiple trophies post that. They won the 1961-62 First Division title under Sir Alf Ramsey and finished second in the 1980-81 and 1981-82 seasons.

Ipswich have always dabbled between the different tiers of English football, mostly spending their time in the top two. They had a 63-year run of staying in the top two tiers before getting relegated to League One in 2019.

The Blues struggled to get back but then appointed Kieran McKenna as manager in December 2021. He led them to the EFL Championship at the end of the 2022-23 season and to the Premier League the following season.

With back-to-back promotions, Ipswich Town are back in the Premier League and will look to stay there. The Tractor Boys have spent a bit in the past on new players and are likely to spend even more this summer to maintain their status in the league.

On that note, let’s take a look at Ipswich Town’s most expensive signings:

10. David Norris – €3 million

David Norris joined the Tractor Boys from Plymouth Argyle in January 2008 for €3 million. He made 118 appearances for the club and also contributed 17 goals and seven assists.

After his around 2.5-year stay at Portman Road, Norris joined Portsmouth and played for many other clubs before retiring in 2024.

Also Read: Top 10 most expensive Liverpool transfers

9. Marcus Stewart – €4.1 million

Marcus Stewart was an excellent centre-forward during his playing days and recorded over 160 goals and over 20 assists in around 550 games of club football. He joined Ipswich Town from Huddersfield in 2000 for €4.1 million and registered 34 goals and one assist in 89 games.

Stewart moved to Sunderland two years later and won the EFL Championship with them. He retired in 2011.

8. Finidi George – €4.2 million

The Nigerian winger arrived at Portman Road from Mallorca for €4.2 million in 2001. He came with a big reputation, having won numerous trophies, including one Champions League, with Ajax in the past.

Finidi George scored eight goals and provided one assist in 46 games in his one-year stay with the English side.

7. Marcus Bent – €4.5 million

Ipswich signed Marcus Bent from Blackburn Rovers in 2001 for €4.5 million. He spent three years at the club, including a season on loan at Leicester City.

Bent scored 23 goals and provided one assist in 70 games before joining Everton in 2004.

6. Matteo Sereni – €6.3 million

Goalkeeper Matteo Sereni joined Ipswich Town from Sampdoria in the summer of 2001. He made 33 appearances for them keeping eight clean sheets before he was sent on a season-loan at Brescia the following year.

He then joined Lazio permanently in 2003 and won the Italian Cup with them in his first season.

5. Hermann Hreidarsson – €6.8 million

Ipswich signed left-back Hermann Hreidarsson from Wimbledon FC in the summer of 2000. He spent three years at the club, making around 126 appearances and scoring three goals.

He then moved to Charlton Athletic in March 2003 and played for several other clubs before retiring in 2014.

Also Read: Top 10 most expensive Barcelona signings

4. Arijanet Muric – €6.9 million

Another goalkeeper on the list, Arijanet Muric joined the Tractor Boys earlier this summer (2024) from Burnley for €6.9 million.

He has won the Premier League title, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup in the past with Manchester City, having made five senior appearances for them. He was with Burnley since 2022 and kept two clean sheets in 16 games across competitions last season. He will now remain in the Premier League despite Burnley’s relegation with Ipswich.

3. Liam Delap – €17.9 million

Another former Manchester City player on the list, Liam Delap has won numerous trophies, including three Premier League titles. However, he made just six senior appearances for City before joining Ipswich Town this summer for €17.9 million.

The centre-forward has also had loan spells with Hull City and Stoke City in the past but has now permanently left the English champions.

2. Jacob Greaves – €21.5 million

The top four names on this list are all from this summer and it’s quite unsurprising given the transfer market and the need to spend to achieve things.

Jacob Greaves is another latest addition to Kieran McKenna’s squad, having joined from Hull City for €21.5 million. The centre-back came through Hull’s academy and made 177 appearances for them before moving to Portman Road.

Also Read: Greatest one-club footballers of all time

1. Omari Hutchinson – €23.5 million

The most expensive signing in Ipswich Town’s history so far is Omari Hutchinson. They bought him from Chelsea for €23.5 million this summer after he had an excellent loan spell with them last season.

Hutchinson scored 10 goals and provided six assists in 44 Championship games to help Ipswich finish second and earn promotion. He has now joined the club permanently and will look to help them maintain their place in the English top-flight.

FAQs

Q. Who is Ipswich Town’s most expensive signing?

A. Omari Hutchinson – €23.5 million from Chelsea

Q. Who is the longest-serving player in Ipswich Town?

A. Mick Mills – 741 appearances.