Ipswich Town have secured the transfer of Ivorian midfielder Abdoul Ouattara from Strasbourg, the club confirmed, with the 20-year-old putting pen to paper on a five-year deal worth a reported £17 million.

Ouattara reunites with manager Gary O'Neil, who led Strasbourg in Ligue 1 last season before taking charge at Portman Road. The signing marks Ipswich's 11th major acquisition since their promotion from the Championship, bringing total expenditure to £124 million.

Ouattara on his move to England

The young Ivorian expressed enthusiasm for the challenge ahead, highlighting his desire to play in England and his existing relationship with O'Neil as key factors in the decision.

"The Premier League is the best league in the world and as soon as I knew the opportunity was there, to play in England under a manager I have already enjoyed working with, I jumped at it," Ouattara said.

"I am still young but have had some good experiences already and I can't wait to meet the fans and my team-mates and get started," he added.

A productive spell at Strasbourg

Ouattara made 45 appearances for Strasbourg in the French top flight and was part of the squad that reached the UEFA Conference League semi-finals last term — a significant achievement for the French club.

O'Neil is equally pleased to be working with the midfielder again. "Abdoul is a talented young player who can play in different positions, so is a very good addition to our squad," the Ipswich manager said. "We enjoyed working with him in France last season and are delighted to have the opportunity to do so again at Ipswich."

Premier League opener against Sunderland

Ipswich launch their Premier League campaign at home to Sunderland on 22 August, and Ouattara could be in contention to feature from the outset as O'Neil builds a squad capable of competing at the top level.