Ipswich Town have bolstered their defence ahead of their return to the Premier League with the addition of Issa Diop from Fulham.

Diop, fresh from helping Morocco reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup, has signed a four-year deal and arrives at Portman Road for a reported £8.5m transfer fee. 

The 29-year-old arrives with plenty of Premier League experience, having played 173 matches in the competition for West Ham and Fulham. 

He made 18 appearances for Fulham in 2025-26 but fell out of favour under Marco Silva, resulting in him agreeing to join Ipswich upon their return to the top flight. 

Diop started five of Morocco's six games at this summer's World Cup before they were eliminated by France in the last eight, scoring against the Netherlands in the round of 32. 

"I'm excited about taking the next step in my career at Ipswich Town," Diop told the club's website. 

"I know how big the club is and have enjoyed all the conversations I had before making the move. I know this is the right place for me. 

"It has been a busy summer for me, representing Morocco at the World Cup, but I am proud to be joining Ipswich Town, and I am looking forward to meeting everyone very soon." 

Diop is Ipswich's sixth addition this summer, following Chuba Akpom, Emerson, Cedric Kipre, Kayne van Oevelen and Abdul Fatawu through the doors at Portman Road. 

"Issa is an experienced player who has played a significant amount of his career in the Premier League, so we're delighted to have him with us," boss Gary O'Neil said.

"He is an imposing defender with good quality and a will to win, making him an excellent addition to the group.  

"Having played and scored at the World Cup this summer, we're looking forward to Issa joining up with the squad soon."

It has also been reported that the Tractor Boys have agreed a deal in principle to sign Celtic forward Daizen Maeda, for £8m plus £2m in add-ons.

Ipswich begin their Premier League campaign at home to Sunderland on August 22 before making the trip to take on Manchester United eight days later.