Town have confirmed the signing of central defender George Edmundson from Rangers.
As previously reported, the 23-year-old has penned a four-year deal with the Blues, having been at the club yesterday afternoon to complete the formalities on his move.
"The opportunity came along and it was one I couldn't turn down," Edmundson told iFollow Ipswich.
"I spoke to the gaffer and it really excited me. He was a massive pull and this is also a huge club.
"Having also spoken to [CEO] Mark Ashton, he has been very clear about the culture being built at the club and the importance of engaging with the local community - that's something I also consider to be very important.
"I like the sound of the project here and I can see the intent the club has, so I'm delighted to have signed.”
Boss Paul Cook added: "George is at a great age but he also already has good experience in the game. We’re delighted to have him with us."""He’s strong, a good talker, comfortable on the ball and he wants to play regular first-team football.
"I first came across him when he was on loan at AFC Fylde because they played Wigan in the FA Cup and took us to a replay. He was strong on the day and we’ve followed him ever since. We really think he’ll be a strong addition to the squad.”
Town fans are likely to get their first chance to see Edmundson in action when Millwall visit Portman Road on Saturday with the centre-half not involved this evening at Colchester.
Rangers accepted a fee understood to be around £750,000 for Edmundson, who becomes the most expensive signing of the Blues’ new era. The Gers will also be due further cash if Town win promotion to the Championship.
Reports that the Latics will be due a percentage of the deal from a sell-on agreed as part of the agreement which saw Edmundson join Rangers in 2019 are wide of the mark with the Glasgow giants having bought out that element of the deal early in his time at Ibrox.
Derby County, where Edmundson spent the second half of last season on loan, are keen on his return to Pride Park but are only able to offer another loan due to their transfer embargo, which is the case with a number of the other interested parties.
Championship new boys Peterborough made an offer for Edmundson, while we understand Millwall had a bid turned down.
League One trio Charlton, Sunderland and Portsmouth were claimed to want him on loan, however, Rangers were only looking to do a permanent deal.
Edmundson is the ninth signing of the summer with the Blues expected to make their 10th later today. We understand Barnsley’s Conor Chaplin is at the club to complete his switch.
Edmundson joined the Glasgow giants from Oldham for an initial £650,000 in the summer of 2019, signing a four-year deal.
However, the Mancunian never really established himself at Ibrox, making only 13 starts and four sub appearances, scoring twice.
Edmundson, who is 6ft 3in tall, came through the ranks at Oldham and spent time on loan with Ramsbottom United, Alfreton and AFC Fylde while with the Latics.
In 2018/19 he was named in the League Two Team of the Year before making his move to Rangers that summer.