Ipswich Town’s initial bid for Ezequiel Palacios has been met with surprise at Bayer Leverkusen, who want double what that Tractor Boys have suggested.
BILD cover the 27-year-old midfielder in their Wednesday print edition, and how the German side want at least side want at least €40m to sanction a sale.
Offer from Ipswich Town
Ipswich Town target Exequiel Palacios
The newspaper explains that Ezequiel Palacios has returned to Leverkusen this week following an extended rest period following the World Cup. He was a part of Argentina’s squad, so had three weeks extra before returning.
He’s now back at work with the Bundesliga side, but the big question is for how long? There are doubts about whether he will stay beyond the end of the summer.
Although the midfielder extended his deal – which runs until 2028 – last year, he has since switch agents. He is now represented by Kristian Bereit, and ‘appears keen’ to push for a transfer.
The player has not personally told the club he wants to leave as yet.
€40m will be required
However, an initial offer from Ipswich Town arrived in Leverkusen regardless. The Premier League side put forward €20m.
That’s nowhere near enough to convince Leverkusen. They would only be willing to negotiate at double that figure. Sport Witness previously covered a report stating €35m would be enough.
Manager Carles Martínez considers Palacios as a key player in his 4-3-3 system. He has now plans to let him go, if he can help it.
Ipswich Town’s offer has caused surprise as well. Alongside the low price, there is also a feeling that Ipswich simply aren’t big enough.
The Argentine has repeatedly flirted with a move to a big club. It’s therefore surprising that a ‘relegation candidate’ like Ipswich have made the first move.
BILD, though, argue that it is unlikely they’ve made a bid without the player’s knowledge. Either way, that bid is nowhere near enough. Whether they now return with more, remains to be seen.
