Ipswich Town could face an unexpected January transfer challenge, with River Plate reportedly planning a move to bring Exequiel Palacios back to Argentina.
The 28-year-old midfielder joined Ipswich from Bayer Leverkusen in August 2026 and has quickly become part of the club's Premier League plans.
However, his former club are considering a reunion as they prepare to strengthen their squad for 2027.
River Plate president targets Palacios reunion
According to Argentine outlet El Crack Deportivo, River Plate president Stefano Di Carlo wants to convince Palacios to return to Buenos Aires during the January transfer window.
The club are planning changes following a disappointing campaign and view their former midfielder as a potential addition.
Palacios developed through River Plate's youth system before joining Bayer Leverkusen in January 2020.
The report suggests the Argentina international could be interested in returning to his boyhood club.
However, Di Carlo has reportedly not contacted the player, and there is no indication that negotiations with Ipswich have begun.
Ipswich invested heavily in summer signing
Ipswich completed Palacios' transfer on 27 August after lengthy negotiations with Leverkusen.
The Premier League club reportedly submitted four offers before agreeing an initial €22.5million fee, with a further €5million potentially payable in bonuses.
Palacios signed a four-year contract running until June 2030.
The midfielder has already established himself in Ipswich's squad, offering experience gained during six seasons in Germany.
He also played an important role in Leverkusen's historic unbeaten Bundesliga title-winning campaign in 2023/24.
His recent arrival and long-term contract leave Ipswich with considerable control over any potential departure.
January move faces significant obstacles
River Plate would face a difficult task persuading Ipswich to release a player signed only months earlier.
Palacios joined the English club to fulfil his ambition of playing in the Premier League, making an immediate return to Argentina far from certain.
Any deal would require the midfielder's agreement and a financial proposal acceptable to Ipswich.
There is currently no confirmed offer or indication that Ipswich intend to sell.
Key Points
- River Plate reportedly want to re-sign Palacios in January.
- Ipswich paid an initial €22.5million for the midfielder in August.
- His contract runs until June 2030.
- No formal approach or negotiations have been confirmed.
What's Next?
River Plate could approach Palacios in the coming weeks, but Ipswich have no immediate reason to consider a sale.
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