Ipswich Town are set to sign Reims defender Cedric Kipre on an initial loan deal, according to French outlet L’Equipe.
Ipswich Town are bracing for player departures after their relegation from the Premier League. While ITFC will aim to retain some of their key assets, exits are inevitable.
The Tractor Boys will be determined to build a squad capable of challenging at the top of the Championship next season, combining their core group with some new signings to strengthen the ranks.
ITFC - Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna
Image courtesy of: PETER CZIBORRA/REUTERS.
Now it looks like Ipswich Town are starting to make moves in this summer window, and a new addition is close. According to French outlet L’Equipe, the Tractor Boys are set to sign Reims defender Cedric Kipre on a season-long loan.
The deal includes a mandatory buy clause should Ipswich Town earn an immediate promotion to the Premier League. The fee will be €4.5m to make Kipre a permanent ITFC player.
Kipre spent last season with Reims and played 28 games in Ligue 1. However, before the move to France, he spent a lot of time in the Championship, during spells with West Brom, Cardiff City and Wigan Athletic.
Premier League interest
Kipre’s performances in France were very impressive. Across his 28 games in the French top flight, the 28-year-old averaged a 7.0 match rating, according to FOTMob, despite his side being relegated to Ligue 2.
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His performances have attracted a lot of interest, and a return to England was always likely this summer. However, Ipswich Town look to have beaten Premier League interest to secure Kipre’s services as recently promoted Sunderland had been linked with a move for the Reims man.
ipswich town, Ipswich Town set to complete deal for 28-year-old defender
Image courtesy of: DAVID KLEIN/REUTERS.
It is unknown whether Sunderland had placed an official bid for Kipre, but he is not waiting around after Ipswich Town came in. The Tractor Boys have pulled off a real coup by signing the experienced Ivorian.
Links with the current crop
Kipre is already familiar with several of Ipswich Town’s squad. His previous ties with West Brom mean he is familiar with Conor Townsend, Alex Palmer and Dara O’Shea, as well as new signing David Button.
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Things like this are always helpful for new players when joining. All four players also being goalkeepers and defenders likely means he’ll be on the wavelength from day one.
Hitting the ground running will be important for Ipswich Town if they wish to get promoted next year. Little things like this will go a long way to making that a reality.
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