Ipswich Town have confirmed the signing of Blackburn striker Sammie Szmodics.
The 28-year-old has joined the club on a four-year deal for an undisclosed fee.
Szmodics finished as the top scorer in the Championship last season, scoring 27 goals and providing four assists.
The Republic of Ireland player has been linked with a number of Premier League clubs but ended up settling at Portman Road.
According to the BBC, Szmodics’ salary could rise to around £11million depending on add-ons and bonuses.
Speaking to the band’s website for the first time as Tractor Boy, he said: “I am delighted to be here as an Ipswich Town player.
Sam Szmodics: Signed. ✍️ pic.twitter.com/EhG4Xr96T
– IPSWICH TOWN (@IpswichTown) August 16, 2024
“It’s been interesting since I was a kid, but it feels right this time with the challenge of the Premier League.
“After talking to a few guys, including Lewis Travis who was here last season, they pushed me and said that I have to come and work under this manager, which is something I would not expect.
“It is every boy’s dream to play in the Premier League and I have always told my friends, family and agents that I will reach the top one day.
“I want nothing more than to score at Portman Road against Ipswich Town. I’m over the moon to be here and I’m looking forward to next season.”
Head coach Kieran McKenna is also delighted that Szmodics has joined the club.
He has led Ipswich to back-to-back promotions and will rely on his new striker 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 many different qualities to the team and is an experienced player who has worked very hard over the years to improve his game and become an even more successful 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.
“He has a real feel for scoring goals and works hard for the team on and off the ball. He knows a lot of the players here, some of the staff and he has a relationship with the club and the place.
“This is a step that works for all teams and he got the opportunity to play in the Premier League, which I know he is happy to do in this team.
“His arrival gives us another forward who is versatile and can work in different roles and systems, giving us a great goal threat and many other things we can add to the team.”
Szmodics could make his debut on Saturday when Ipswich face Liverpool in the Premier League opener at Portman Road.
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