Ipswich Town sign Irish International Sammie Szmodics from Blackburn Rovers

Ipswich Town have officially completed the signing of forward Sammie Szmodics from Blackburn Rovers on a four-year contract.

Szmodics, 28, arrives at Portman Road following a stellar season with Rovers, where he netted 33 goals in all competitions, earning the Championship Golden Boot and a spot in the Team of the Season.

Szmodics' career began at Colchester United, where he recorded 38 goals and 16 assists before moving to Bristol City in 2019. A successful loan at Peterborough United led to a permanent move in 2020, where he played a role in their promotion from League One.

After his stint with Peterborough, Szmodics signed with Blackburn Rovers in 2022. 

In addition to his club success, Szmodics made his debut for the Republic of Ireland earlier this year in a match against Belgium at the Aviva Stadium. He will don the number 23 shirt for Ipswich this season.

Expressing his excitement, Szmodics shared, "I am delighted to be here as an Ipswich Town player. There’s always been interest since I was a kid, but it just felt right this time with the challenge of the Premier League."

He added, "After speaking to a couple of the lads, including Lewis Travis who was here last season, they just pushed me and said that I need to come and work under this manager, which is something I can’t wait to do."

Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna is equally enthusiastic about the acquisition, stating, "We think Sam brings a lot of different qualities to the squad and is an experienced player who has worked extremely hard over the years to improve his game."

McKenna praised Szmodics’ goal-scoring ability and work ethic, noting, "He has a real feel for scoring goals and works so hard for the team both on and off the ball."

Szmodics could make his Ipswich debut in a high-profile fixture, with Liverpool set to visit Portman Road for the opening Premier League game of the season.