Ipswich Town have confirmed the signing of Blackburn striker Sammie Szmodics.
The 28-year-old has joined on a four-year deal for an undisclosed fee.
Szmodics finished as the Championship’s top scorer last season, netting 27 goals and providing four assists.
The Republic of Ireland international has since been linked with a number of Premier League clubs but has eventually settled at Portman Road.
According to the BBC, the fee for Szmodics could rise to around £11million depending on add-ons and bonuses.
Speaking to the club website for the first time as a Tractor Boy, he said: “I am delighted to be here as an Ipswich Town player.
Sam Szmodics: Signed. ✍️ pic.twitter.com/EhAG4Xr96T
— IPSWICH TOWN (@IpswichTown) August 16, 2024
“There’s always been interest since I was a kid, but it just felt right this time with the challenge of the Premier League.
“After speaking to a couple of the lads, including Lewis Travis who was here last season, they just pushed me and said that I need to come and work under this manager, which is something I can’t wait to do.
“It’s every boy’s dream to play in the Premier League and I’ve always said to my friends, family and agents that I’ll get to the top one day.
“There’s nothing more I want than to score at Portman Road for Ipswich Town. I am over the moon to be here and looking forward to the season ahead.”
Head coach Kieran McKenna is just as excited for Szmodics to be joining the club.
He has led Ipswich to back-to-back promotions and will be relying on his new forward to try and keep them in the Premier League.
Our new number 23. 🤩
— IPSWICH TOWN (@IpswichTown) August 16, 2024
He added: “We think Sam brings a lot of different qualities to the squad and is an experienced player who has worked extremely hard over the years to improve his game and to become more and more effective as a player.
“That was shown last year with the fantastic season he had at Blackburn with the goals he scored throughout the campaign, including one at Portman Road of course.
“He has a real feel for scoring goals and works so hard for the team both on and off the ball. He knows many of the players here, as well as some of the staff and has ties to the club and to the area.
“This is a move that works for all parties and he has rightfully earned the chance to play in the Premier League, which I know he is delighted to do at this club.
“His arrival gives us another really versatile forward player who can operate in different roles and systems, giving us a big goal threat and plenty of other qualities to add to the team.”
Szmodics could make his debut on Saturday when Ipswich face Liverpool in their Premier League opener at Portman Road.
