A 22.5 million euro transfer fee brought central midfielder Exequiel Palacios to Ipswich Town on 27 August 2026. This four-year contract marked a significant move for the Argentine professional, whose career trajectory began in the youth ranks of River Plate before moving through the top tiers of European football.
Early Career at River Plate
Developing as a youth exponent at River Plate, Palacios made his league debut on 8 November 2015 against Newell's Old Boys. His time with the club included a notable 2018 Copa Libertadores victory, where he participated in eleven matches, including the finals against Boca Juniors. That same year, he earned a spot in the South American Team of the Year. His tenure concluded on 13 December 2019, when he played 79 minutes during a 3–0 win over Central Córdoba in the Copa Argentina final.
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Bayer Leverkusen secured Palacios on a five-and-a-half-year deal starting 1 January 2020. During his tenure, the club achieved significant milestones, including the 2023–24 Bundesliga title and a victory in the DFB-Pokal final against 1. FC Kaiserslautern on 25 May 2024. This result established the first domestic double in the history of the Leverkusen organization.
International Participation
Palacios debuted for Argentina on 8 September 2018 during a 3–0 friendly victory against Guatemala. His national team experience includes an injury-shortened match against Paraguay in 2020, where he fractured a bone in his spine following an aerial duel with Ángel Romero. He returned to success, participating in the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 FIFA World Cup victory, and subsequent tournaments including the 2024 Copa América and 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Fast facts
- Full name: Exequiel Alejandro Palacios
- Born: 1998, Famaillá
- Citizenship: Argentina
- International debut: 8 September 2018
- Ipswich Town contract value: €22.5 million
- Primary position: Central midfielder
Questions readers ask
What major club trophies has Exequiel Palacios won?
He has won the Copa Libertadores, the Bundesliga, the DFB-Pokal, and the Copa Argentina.
Has he won a FIFA World Cup with Argentina?
Yes, he was part of the squad that won the FIFA World Cup title in 2022.
Achievements
- Worked as association football player
