Football Presse

Benfica join Roma and Bologna in race for Ipswich winger Philogene

·By Paul Lindisfarne
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Benfica join Roma and Bologna in race for Ipswich winger Philogene

Ipswich/X.com

Benfica are among the clubs interested in signing Jaden Philogene, the 24-year-old England winger currently at Ipswich Town, according to the BBC.

The report states his future remains undecided, with Serie A sides AS Roma and Bologna also credited with interest in the player. Philogene is under contract until 2029 having joined Ipswich in the January 2025 transfer window from Aston Villa in a deal worth around €24m.

Despite helping fire Ipswich back to the Premier League at the first attempt, Philogene is understood to be eager to test himself in European competition this season, a factor driving the growing list of suitors circling him. Ipswich Town are aware of his stance and are not expected to stand in his way should a suitable offer arrive, though the club remains under no immediate pressure to sell given his contract situation.

Benfica's interest is reportedly contingent on the Portuguese club first completing an outgoing move in attack, with one of their current wide forwards expected to depart before the Estádio da Luz side turn their attention fully to Philogene. That condition means Benfica's pursuit remains at an early stage, even as O Jogo and other Portuguese outlets confirm the club have added him to their shortlist of attacking targets for the summer.

Philogene scored 13 goals in 36 Championship appearances last season, finishing the campaign with 16 goals and two assists in 47 matches across all competitions, form that played a significant role in Ipswich's promotion under previous head coach Kieran McKenna, who has since departed the club, with Gary O'Neil now in charge at Portman Road.

He has continued to train with full commitment at Playford Road despite the swirling transfer talk, with staff said to be impressed by his focus, even as Roma, Bologna and now Benfica continue to monitor how his situation develops over the coming weeks.

Reports in England have suggested Ipswich could demand a fee in the region of £35m given his age, pedigree and goalscoring output, a figure that may test the resolve of his suitors as the transfer window progresses. Whichever club ultimately wins the race, Philogene's growing reputation as one of the Championship's standout performers last season means his next move is likely to be closely watched across multiple leagues.