Latest signing: Ipswich Town officially announced the signing of star player Parfait Guiagon
In a major boost to their promotion ambitions, Ipswich Town have confirmed the capture of Ivorian star Parfait Guiagon from Belgian side Charleroi, marking a significant addition to Kieran McKenna’s squad ahead of the crucial second half of the EFL Championship campaign. The deal, which sees the 24-year-old join on a permanent transfer for an undisclosed fee, brings to Portman Road one of the most exciting attacking talents to emerge from Africa in recent years.
Guiagon, born on 22 February 2001 in Logouale, Ivory Coast, arrives with an impressive footballing pedigree. He was included in The Guardian’s prestigious “Next Generation 2018” list, highlighting him as one of the world’s top young prospects at just 17 years old. His career began at local club Africa Sports before moving to Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv in 2019, where he gained valuable experience through loan spells at Beitar Tel Aviv Bat Yam and Maccabi Netanya, netting 9 goals in 54 league appearances across both stints. Since joining Charleroi in August 2023, he has established himself as a key figure in their midfield, registering 13 goals in 65 league games and earning his first senior cap for the Ivory Coast national team in 2025.
Standing at 1.65m (or 1.69m per some sources), Guiagon operates primarily as a left winger but is equally adept in central attacking midfield roles, offering versatility to McKenna’s tactical setup. His playing style is defined by exceptional dribbling ability, precise short passing, and a tendency to cut inside from wide areas to create scoring opportunities or shoot from distance. According to WhoScored, he boasts strong technical attributes, though his defensive contributions remain an area for development. In the 2025-26 season alone, he has notched 6 goals and 2 assists in 20 competitive outings for Charleroi, including standout performances in the Jupiler Pro League and UEFA Conference League qualifiers.
For Ipswich Town, the signing aligns with their strategy to rebuild a squad capable of returning to the Premier League at the first attempt following relegation in 2025. The Tractor Boys, who won the EFL League One title in 2023-24, have already strengthened their ranks with additions like Iván Azón, Ashley Young, and Chuba Akpom this season. With Guiagon’s creativity and attacking threat, McKenna will look to unlock opposing defenses more consistently as the team chases promotion spots. The club’s chairman Mark Ashton commented: “Parfait is a player we have tracked for some time – his talent, work ethic, and potential make him the perfect fit for our vision at Ipswich Town.”
Guiagon will wear the number 17 shirt for Ipswich and is expected to make his debut in the upcoming fixture against Southampton, a clash that could prove pivotal in shaping the Championship table. As Portman Road prepares to welcome its new star, fans will be hoping he can replicate his form in English football and help write the next chapter in the club’s rich history.