Ipswich Town sign Morocco defender Issa Diop from Fulham

Ipswich Town have signed Morocco defender Issa Diop from Fulham for an undisclosed fee.

The 29-year-old, who played five games for Morocco as they reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup, has signed a deal until the summer of 2030.

Diop brings significant Premier League experience to an Ipswich squad promoted from the Championship last season having played 173 games in the top flight for Fulham and West Ham.

"I'm excited to take the next step in my career at Ipswich Town," said Diop.

"I know how big the club is and have enjoyed all of the conversations I have 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 am looking forward to meeting the staff, my team-mates and the supporters very soon."

Diop joined West Ham from Toulouse in 2018 and spent four seasons with the Hammers before moving to Fulham in a £15m deal in 2022.

He played 96 times across all competitions for the Cottagers but only made eight Premier League starts last season.

Diop becomes Ipswich's sixth signing of the summer following the acquisition of Ghana winger Abdul Fatawu from Leicester for £20m earlier this week.

Striker Emersonn joined from Toulouse earlier this month for a club-record fee of about £26m.

Defender Cedric Kipre and forward Chuba Akpom signed on a permanent basis following successful loans last season, while goalkeeper Kayne van Oevelen arrived from Dutch side FC Volendam.