Ed Sheeran's new career?! Ipswich assign first-team squad number to A-list fan and stakeholder as Tractor Boys seek Premier League return

With three days to go for their season opener, Ipswich released the squad numbers of all their first-team players. In that list, they designated the No.17 shirt for stakeholder and famous British musician Sheeran, who is known to be a die-hard fan of the club.

Following their relegation from the Premier League at the end of the 2024-25 campaign, the club sold star forward Liam Delap to Chelsea, as the Blues triggered the striker's £30 million ($41m) release clause. Other than Delap, they have also released Sam Morsy from last season's squad, as he left on a free transfer.

Manager Kieran McKenna has also welcomed three new players, with Azor Matusiwa the big-money signing after joining the club from Rennes for a whopping £10m.

Ipswich will kick off their 2025-26 Championship campaign on Friday as they take on newly promoted Birmingham City in their season opener.