Fulham defender Issa Diop has completed an £8.5m move to Ipswich Town, signing a deal until 2030. The 29-year-old Morocco international, who featured in five games at the World Cup, joins Ipswich after 96 appearances for the Cottagers.
What does this mean for Fulham?
Diop's departure follows a season where he made just eight Premier League starts for Fulham. The centre-back, who joined from West Ham in 2022 for £15m, leaves as the Cottagers look to reshuffle their defensive options ahead of the new campaign. Fulham finished 11th last season with 52 points, including a 2-0 win over Newcastle in their final game.
Why Ipswich?
Ipswich, promoted from the Championship last season, see Diop as a key addition to their Premier League survival bid. The defender brings 173 top-flight appearances to a squad that has already spent big this summer, including a club-record £26m for striker Emersonn. Diop said: "I'm excited to take the next step in my career at Ipswich Town. I know how big the club is and this is the right place for me."
What's next for Fulham?
With Diop gone, Fulham will look to strengthen their defence before the new season begins. Their next fixture is a home game against VfB Stuttgart on 15 August, where they'll aim to build on their recent form of two wins in their last five games.
