Breel Embolo’s expected move to Major League Soccer has taken a dramatic turn, with the Switzerland international reportedly rejecting Atlanta United’s offer and opening talks with newly promoted English Premier League side, Craig Forrest’s old Ipswich Town.
L’Équipe reported Monday that Embolo, who appeared set to leave Stade Rennais for Atlanta, has instead entered negotiations with Ipswich. It seemed like his MLS move was a done deal after Atlanta reportedly agreed the transfer worth around $18 million for the 29-year-old forward.
That transfer fee would have placed Embolo among the top five most expensive incoming transfers in MLS history. But, the financial package offered directly to the player has apparently failed to convince him to make the move to the United States.
Ipswich, meanwhile, have made an offer and are now attempting to land a striker who brings substantial top-level and international experience. The club returned to the Premier League after one season away, where they finished second in the Championship last season to bounce right back up.
Embolo joined Rennes from Monaco in September 2025 and made 34 appearances during his debut season, scoring 10 goals and adding three assists. He also played a key role for Switzerland at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scoring twice in six appearances before being sent off during Switzerland’s quarter-final loss to Argentina. Leaving Vancouver after three straight matches was clearly the bad luck move for the Swiss.
Embolo was controversially sent off in that quarterfinal defeat to eventual finalists Argentina, receiving a second yellow card for diving after a play that it was extensively argued should not have been reviewed in the first place. He also had issues entering the United States with his teammates at first after a visa issue that resolved after a couple of days.
Switzerland topped Canada’s World Cup group and played their first two knockout matches in Vancouver after stealing first place from the CanMNT on Matchday 3. In total he has netted 26 goals in 92 international appearances and has been a Swiss regular at major tournaments.
Embolo was expected to play striker between Atlanta DPs Miguel Almiron and Alexey Miranchuk, potentially forming one of the most dangerous attacking trios in MLS. Miranchuk scored the first Atlanta goal in a 2-1 win over Toronto FC at BMO Field in April.
Atlanta have reportedly not abandoned their pursuit entirely, but Ipswich have suddenly emerged as the frontrunners for a guy who just days ago looked destined for MLS.
Tom Bogert of The Athletic also reported Friday that former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez was also on Atlanta’s shopping list among other high-profile targets before they settled on Embolo.
Atlanta United have never been afraid to splash the cash to get the man they want, and will have five signings in the top 10 most expensive in league history if this one goes through in the end.
Last year Atlanta paid $22 million for Emmanuel Latte Lath — who was recently loaned to Union Berlin to free up a DP slot after underperforming in MLS. A trio of Argentinians — Thiago Almada, Pity Martínez and Esequiel Barco — all cost between $15-16 million, with Almada and Martinez later flipped again for profit.
More to come.