Ed Sheeran invests in Ipswich Town and takes them to the Premier League in style

Ed Sheeran, the singer who won the world over with his ballads and guitar riffs, has his eyes set on a different stage: the soccer field. And not just any stage, but the Premier League, where his beloved Ipswich Town is finally returning after a long 22-year absence. If you thought Sheeran only played with chords, the news that he’s acquired a 1.4% stake in the club must have caught you off guard. But if you think he’s about to start calling the shots on tactics or picking the next striker, think again.

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Sheeran bought his share through Gamechanger 20 Ltd but made it clear he won’t be meddling in day-to-day decisions. The man just wants to support his hometown team and enjoy a VIP seat in the stadium, cheering just like any other fan. After all, as he put it, “It’s every soccer fan’s dream to own the club they support,” and who are we to disagree?

Born and raised in Suffolk, the singer has Ipswich Town in his heart and soul. Even as he toured the globe and topped the charts, he never forgot his roots. That became clear when he became the main sponsor of the club’s men’s and women’s teams back in 2021. And how about the team’s jersey, proudly bearing the name of his tour across the chest? If you used to spot Sheeran rocking Ipswich gear during his shows, expect to see him in it even more now—and maybe even with a tractor!

Yes, a tractor. If you watched the promo video for Ipswich’s return to the Premier League, you saw Sheeran driving a tractor like it was second nature. It’s no wonder the team’s fans are called “The Tractor Boys.” And with the success of that video, it’s clear that Sheeran isn’t just a global music sensation—he’s a marketing powerhouse, driving Ipswich into the spotlight.

Ipswich Town, a team that was stuck in the third tier not long ago, is now living a modern-day fairy tale. With Sheeran as its most famous ambassador, the club didn’t just climb back to the EFL Championship in 2023/24; last season, it secured its return to the top tier of English soccer. Club chairman Mark Ashton celebrated this partnership with enthusiasm, highlighting that Sheeran’s involvement goes beyond just a financial investment. For Ashton, the support Sheeran and his team have shown over the past three years is nothing short of extraordinary.

And it’s not just Ipswich that’s benefiting from this relationship. For Sheeran, being part of the club he loves is something that goes way beyond money. “I’m not a voting shareholder or a board member; it’s just me putting some cash into the club I love and them reciprocating the gesture,” the singer said, making it clear that his intentions are purely out of passion. And, of course, he’s not interested in giving advice on player signings or game tactics—that part, he leaves to the pros.

But make no mistake, the challenge Ipswich faces in the Premier League is massive. Getting back to the top is one thing, but staying there is a whole different ball game. The team will need much more than music and charm to survive in the world’s toughest competition. Their debut against Liverpool, set for this Saturday, July 17th, is already shaping up to be a real baptism of fire. Whether they can dodge the pitfalls and establish themselves in the Premier League remains to be seen. But one thing’s for sure: with Ed Sheeran leading the charge in the stands, Ipswich has already started their journey on the right foot.

And who knows? Maybe Sheeran’s tractor is just beginning to plow the field for a harvest full of successes, and perhaps even a lasting spot in the Premier League. Either way, it’s heartwarming to see a music icon like him so deeply involved in soccer. It’s a story that tugs at the heartstrings of any fan.