Ipswich Town Women announced on 8 July 2026 that midfielder Aimee Palmer has signed a two‑year contract, bolstering the side ahead of the 2025/26 Championship campaign.

Who is Aimee Palmer?

Palmer, 23, comes from a background of regular first‑team football with Bristol City Women, where she logged 28 league appearances last season. Her versatility allows her to operate centrally or on the left, offering both defensive cover and forward thrust. The midfielder also earned three caps for England U‑23 earlier this year, showcasing her growing reputation.

Why does the signing matter for Ipswich Town Women?

The squad lost a key creative outlet when Lara Smith departed for a rival club in January. Palmer’s arrival plugs that creative gap and gives manager Kirsty Smith more tactical options. In the 2024/25 season Ipswich Town Women finished 12th, and the board set a target of breaking into the top‑ten. Adding a player with Palmer’s experience should help tighten the midfield, something the team struggled with – they averaged just 1.1 shots on target per game.

How will Palmer fit into the team?

Smith plans to deploy Palmer in a 4‑3‑3, pairing her with Megan Davies and Sophie Turner. The trio will aim to dominate possession against rivals like Norwich City Women, who sit just above Ipswich in the table. Palmer’s passing accuracy of 78% last season suggests she can keep the ball moving and link defence to attack effectively.

What comes next for the club?

The first competitive test arrives on 12 August 2026 when Ipswich Town Women host Sunderland AFC Women at Portman Road. Palmer is expected to start, and fans will be eager to see her impact in the opening 15 minutes. The club also announced a community outreach program tied to the signing, with Palmer visiting local schools to promote women’s football.

The deal reportedly includes performance‑related bonuses but no disclosed transfer fee, reflecting the club’s sustainable recruitment policy. With the season only weeks away, Palmer’s integration will be closely watched by supporters hoping for a stronger finish than last year.