Ipswich Town have accelerated their transfer business in recent days, yet to secure their first league win since being relegated to the Championship, now capturing one Norwich City’s star men.
Sealing big money moves for Kasey McAteer and Azor Matusiwa recently, the Suffolk outfit are showing little sign of stopping there.
Now, the club have secured a big money move for one of their bitter rivals’ star performers.
Marcelino Núñez Makes Rival Switch
As confirmed by the club’s official website, Marcelino Núñez has signed for Ipswich Town.
The Chilean international has signed a four-year contract with the club, having been one of Norwich City’s most important players over the years.
Making the move to England in 2022, Núñez has made 119 appearances for the Canaries, scoring 12 goals.
Additionally, the midfielder started the 2025-26 campaign, scoring and assisting in his three outings.
However, he will now continue that start in an Ipswich Town shirt, joining an already impressive Tractor Boys midfield.
What will Núñez bring to Ipswich Town?
Already boasting Matusiwa, Jens-Lys Cajuste, and Jack Taylor in the midfield, the Chilean is an astute addition.
While Ipswich Town’s start to the campaign has been slightly disappointing, there have been positive results.
Travelling away to St. Andrews on the opening day was one of the toughest asks on the opening day, in which Town snatched a draw at the death.
Additionally, a draw at home to Southampton is a good result, which could have been better if not for missed chances.
Despite dominating against Preston North End, frailty at the back saw the club find their first league defeat.
An early concern for Kieran McKenna will be his attack, as the squad possesses some of the division’s finest attacking talents, but Town are yet to score more than once in a game.
The signing of Núñez could bring their attack to life, providing a creative spark in the middle of the pitch.
There is no doubt that a frontline of Jack Clarke, Sammie Scmodics, Philogene-Bidace, and George Hirst should be a blistering prospect in the division.
Versatile, creative, and with an eye for goal, the Chilean could be the signing that sparks their struggling frontline to life.
What Next for Norwich City?
Núñez’s departure is a huge blow for Norwich, even more so when their rivals are involved.
However, an argument can be made that to have gained a reported £10 million fee for an injury-prone midfielder is excellent from a business perspective.
Additionally, it can be assumed that the fee will be reinvested well given the recruitment history at Norwich.
The Canaries still possess Josh Sargent, arguably the best striker in the league.
Meanwhile, Jack Stacey, Harry Darling, and Emiliano Marcondes are great players in the division.
While Núñez is a huge loss, the forefront is there for City to find their “next Núñez,” given the reported fee received and their past recruitment.
And that signing may have already arrived, as the club has announced the signing of Pelle Mattsson from Silkeborg.
What was said?
On their Chilean midfielder’s departure, sporting director Ben Knapper said:
“It goes without saying, this is a significant transfer for all parties involved.
“We absolutely understand the feeling and sentiment from our supporters at this time, and this was, of course an extremely difficult decision for us to take.
“As with every transfer, there are many factors that we must consider, including the wishes of the player, their contractual position, team performance, and, of course, the offer itself.
“Ultimately, when considering all of those aspects, we firmly believe that this is in the best interests of our club.
“We are committed to making what we feel are the best possible decisions for our football club, assessing all factors in the round, in both the short, medium and long term.
“Of the possible scenarios and outcomes that this situation has presented, we believe this is the one that leaves the club in the best position.”
Núñez will face his former club at Portman Road on October 5th.
