Ed Sheeran buys stake in Ipswich Town, fulfills lifelong dream

Sheeran is a lifelong fan of the Tractor Boys and has been shirt sponsor for the men's and women's teams since 2021.

The 33-year-old's total stake in the Premier League club, acquired through Gamechanger 20 Ltd, is 1.4 per cent.

As part of the agreement, Sheeran will have long-term use of an executive box at Portman Road, which he has personalised ahead of the 2024-25 season.

He will not be a voting shareholder or a board member.

"I am really excited to have bought a small percentage of my hometown football club," Yorkshire-born Sheeran told Ipswich's website.

"It's any football fan's dream to be an owner of the club they support, and I feel so grateful for this opportunity.

"I have lived in Suffolk since I was three years old and, while I travel the world and sometimes feel like an outsider in big cities, Suffolk and Ipswich have always made me feel part of the community and protected.

"This is just me putting some money into the club I love and them returning the gesture, so please don't get onto me with signing suggestions or tactics to play!"

Ipswich are back in the top flight for the first time since 2002 following promotion from the Championship and begin the new campaign on Saturday at home to Liverpool.

Club chairman Mark Ashton said: "For one of the biggest artists in the world to give us so much of his time and give the club such incredible exposure around the world, while asking for very little in return, highlights just what makes this relationship such a special one.

"It's been a pleasure to get to know Ed and his team over the last three years and we look forward to building our relationship further now as the club enters the Premier League."