Town have completed the signing of Irish international winger Kasey McAteer from Leicester City.

The fee is understood to be £11.5 million plus add-ons with the player having signed a four-year deal.

Yesterday it emerged that the Blues were targeting the 23-year-old with the clubs quickly tying up a deal.

The Blues have been looking for a right-sided attacker to replace Omari Hutchinson, who left to join Nottingham Forest for £37.5 million last weekend.

“I’m delighted to be here and can’t wait to get started,” Town’s new number 20 shirt told the club site.

“It’s a very attractive project which is being built here and I want to add myself to that.

“I’ve been to Ipswich as an away player and I know how good the support is. As soon as I heard Ipswich were interested it was the only move I wanted to make.

“The aim is to get promoted again and that’s what we will push for every day. I want to be a part of that and I aspire to be the best version of myself, which is something I will be looking to bring to the squad.

“I’m excited to get to work with the boys and the staff and I can’t wait to meet the fans.”

Northampton-born McAteer joined Leicester aged eight and made his first senior appearance in the Premier League in a 4-0 victory over Newcastle in December 2021.

Having had spells on loan with Forest Green Rovers, with whom he won the 2021/22 League Two title, and AFC Wimbledon, the right-sided forward has gone on to make a total of 27 starts and 29 sub appearances for the Foxes, scoring eight goals, including his side’s second in the 2-0 win against the Blues at the King Power Stadium in May. He was a member of the squad which pipped Town to the 2023/24 Championship title.

McAteer has won six full Republic of Ireland caps, scoring one international goal. He will become the fifth senior Ireland international in the squad alongside skipper Dara O'Shea, Chieo Ogbene, Sammie Szmodics and Jack Taylor.

The signing has been made in time for McAteer to be eligible for Saturday’s visit to Preston North End.

That would be his second trip to Deepdale in eight days having come on as an 86th-minute sub for the Foxes in their 2-1 defeat there last Saturday.

McAteer also came on as a sub in the opening day victory over Sheffield Wednesday by the same scoreline, in the 78th minute, as well as playing the full 90 in the on-penalties Carabao Cup defeat at Huddersfield.

Photo: ITFC

hello66 added 13:37 - Aug 22 Well, if there’s one thing I’ve learnt, McKenna seems to be able to get a little bit of extra out of its players it’s all about Man management…. and some of the Leicester fans are agreeing with me. What Leicester fans suggesting that Kasey McAteer could thrive under Kieran McKenna,others believe McAteer’s style and attitude are tailor-made for Ipswich’s system. Untapped potential “He never got a proper run here. McKenna might be the one to unlock him.” Tactical fit “His pressing and pace suit Ipswich’s high-energy style. Could be a smart move.” Respect for McKenna “If anyone can get the best out of him, it’s McKenna. He’s a top coach.”

1

SickParrot added 14:31 - Aug 22 Transfer fees are now ridiculous. £11.5 million for a decent but not outstanding player who has never been a regular starter at Leicester, and we got £10 million for Broadhead who was third choice here. It seems that if you've played in a professional league and still have all four limbs you're worth at least a million.
1

timbousa added 14:48 - Aug 22 I just did some in-depth research. My brother is a Leicester City fan and I texted the news. Response - "He’s a good player. We must be in serious financial trouble…."
0

dirtydingusmagee added 14:52 - Aug 22 Welcome to Town, Hope you settle quickly. Coyb
0

Tedray added 14:57 - Aug 22 Are we to try new revolutionary tactics now and play three right wingers with Chaplin at centre forward to head them in. A deep lying good dribbler of a fullback to enable him to take the ball from the goalkeeper and pass it to the unexplained in midfield. But would it confuse the opposition any more than ourselves.
0

Marinersnose added 17:08 - Aug 22 Welcome aboard. I was a little sceptical about this signing but having spoken to friends who are season ticket holder’s at Leicester they reckon he’s one of the best players at the club. They were also extremely annoyed about the give away price. They are knowledgeable football fans so this will definitely be a good signing for town
0

Nottsblue66 added 17:56 - Aug 22 I think this is a poor signing 11.5M for a a player who cannot get in Leicesters 1st team and even Leicester fans don’t like him A panic buyi Not excited by this at all
0

armchaircritic59 added 18:17 - Aug 22 ITFC1994, re your post on the first page, you can probably tell from my username I'm one of the " armchair critics " ! In my defence I don't attend games now largely due to health reasons, it just wouldn't be comfortable, but I watch as many as I can from home. It's good to let someone younger carry the torch on. However I do know what you mean, though I can assure you this, I never comment on any matches I haven't personally seen from home (live), and it's very rare I single out individual players for criticism. Praise where it's due of course! Also, even if a new player comes into the club, I will always want him to do well and give him my support from afar, whether he would be my personal choice or not. Everyone deserves a chance to prove themselves. My first match at PR was in 1963, so at least I think I've got a few points in the bank! As I said, I do know what you meant, and I actually agree!

0

Billysherlockblue added 18:22 - Aug 22 He'll be worth over 20 million by end of year. This lad can play. More robust than clarke. They'll push each other on. I still believe in clarke but needs to stay on his feet and get cockey. Coyb
0

Blogs 298 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls