Espi and Embolo linked as duo could leave – the latest Town transfer rumour round-up
The Blues were linked with a move for Levante’s Carlos Espi last night (Image: PA)
CARLOS ESPI
News that Carlos Espi was heading to the Premier League broke over the weekend. Then, last night, reports from Spain began suggesting that he was set to head to Ipswich.
The 21-year-old striker was born in Tavernes de la Valldigna, around 54km away from Valencia, and came through the ranks at Levante after playing youth football at UD Alzira.
Espi, who features for Spain at youth level, has impressed in La Liga, having made his senior debut in 2024. Last season, he notched 11 goals in 25 league appearances for Levante, 13 of which came as starts.
Verdict: Our understanding is that Ipswich are not currently looking to sign Espi, despite reports over the last 24 hours.
While he’s a player that Town looked at earlier in the summer – like most clubs using data-driven recruitment – nothing ever progressed and he’s likely to move elsewhere. The Yorkshire Evening Post have revealed that Leeds are interested, but that no move is imminent.
Circumstances can obviously change, but having bought 22-year-old Emersonn from Ligue 1 side Toulouse for a club-record fee, the Blues aren’t looking to add another young striker as things stand, with more experienced options targeted instead.
Ipswich’s main focus is on bolstering their midfield, with Premier League experience believed to be an important criteria.
Breel Embolo is said to be attracting interest from a number of clubs (Image: PA)
BREEL EMBOLO
Ipswich are reportedly among those considering a move for Rennes striker Breel Embolo.
Ben Jacobs reports that the Blues are keeping an eye on the 29-year-old, who is also attracting interest from Atlanta United, Hull City and ‘multiple’ Serie A clubs, with a sale possible at around €15m (c. £12.8m).
Born in Cameroon, Embolo came through the ranks at Basel before moving to Germany in 2016, first with Schalke and then Borussia Monchengladbach. A Ligue 1 switch followed, spending three years with AS Monaco, then joining Rennes last summer.
The 29-year-old notched eight goals and three assists in 31 league games last season.
Embolo is also a 92-cap Switzerland international, having scored 26 goals for them in that time. He recently featured at the 2026 World Cup, scoring against Qatar and Algeria while providing assists against Bosnia and Canada.
Verdict: Embolo could well be a name that Ipswich have looked at in this transfer window, but it’s certainly not one that’s advanced or likely to happen any time soon. With other teams in the race, it’s likely that he’ll go somewhere else.
Undoubtedly a talented player with good experience in top leagues, I’d be slightly concerned by his injury record.
Sam Szmodics is in talks to return to Derby County (Image: Ross Halls)
SAM SZMODICS
Derby County are in advanced talks to re-sign Ipswich attacker Sam Szmodics.
As first reported by John Percy of The Telegraph, negotiations are currently ongoing between the two clubs, and while it remains to be seen whether it will be a permanent or loan move, the Rams are moving closer to a deal. Ipswich are believed to prefer a permanent exit.
We understand that Birmingham City have also shown interest in the Republic of Ireland international, who didn’t join the rest of Town’s squad at their pre-season training camp in La Manga.
Szmodics, formerly of Peterborough United and Blackburn Rovers, joined Ipswich in the summer of 2024, notching four goals in 20 Premier League appearances for the Blues.
His return to the Championship didn’t go to plan, however, and he was eventually sent out on loan to Derby in January 2025, with Kieran McKenna revealing that the decision was made in the best interests of ‘group dynamic’ and ‘dressing room culture’.
The 30-year-old bagged four goals and an assist in 29 games for John Eustace’s side, while Ipswich went on to secure promotion to the Premier League.
Verdict: It’s clear that Szmodics will be heading for a summer exit, and it looks like Derby will be his destination. Talks have continued amid reports of a £4m bid from the Rams, while Ipswich probably want a little bit more than that. I don’t think it will be long before we see him back at Pride Park on a permanent deal.
Kayne van Oevelen could leave on loan amid reported interest from Championship clubs (Image: Maarten Rabelink (Fanatix.nl))
KAYNE VAN OEVELEN
Kayne van Oevelen only arrived at Ipswich last week, joining in a £3.4m deal from FC Volendam. However, he could be on the move once again before the end of the summer.
There’s a chance that he leaves on loan by the time the transfer window slams shut. Alan Nixon reports that Middlesbrough, Millwall, Wrexham and Bolton are all interested in taking him on loan for the 2026/27 campaign.
The Dutchman will stick around through pre-season and will likely make up part of Ipswich’s squad at the start of the campaign, with Kjell Scherpen set to become first-choice when his move from Union SG is confirmed and Christian Walton expected to be out for around five to six weeks through injury.
Verdict: I do think Van Oevelen will depart. At 22, regular minutes in English football will really help his development. One of those top Championship clubs would be an excellent destination.
It would allow Walton to support Scherpen when fit again, with David Button as third choice if he’s registered. I expect Alex Palmer will probably depart at some point in the next few weeks.