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Cajuste: It's Been a Long Summer But I Know I Made the Right Choice
Thursday, 7th Aug 2025 18:36

Returning loanee Jens Cajuste says it’s been a long summer of uncertainty but he’s sure he made the right choice in rejoining the Blues for a second season, citing the team spirit in the squad, manager Kieran McKenna and the fans as factors behind his decision.

The 26-year-old had a successful loan spell from Napoli in the Premier League last season and McKenna said at the end of last season that he would like him to return but admitted it would be a difficult deal to do.

For much of the summer it appeared the Sweden international would be heading elsewhere - Besiktas, Burnley and Saudi Arabian club Neom were all in the running at one point or another - until the last week when the Blues’ stepped up their pursuit with confirmation of the loan coming through earlier this afternoon.

Town are paying €1 million (£863,000) for the loan and have agreed a €6.5 million (£5.6 million) obligation to buy next summer should they win promotion.

“I’m buzzing, really excited and I think it’s going to be a great challenge for me and for the team, so I’m really looking forward to it,” Cajuste told TownTV.

Reflecting on his time since leaving the Blues at the end of 2024/25, he added: “It’s been a long summer. I think there’s been a little bit of uncertainty at times and it’s been a bit hectic, but I’m just really happy everything has finally fallen into place and it’s turned out well.”

But he feels he’s home now: “Most definitely. There was always that ambition going into the summer that possibly I could return and it was an exciting thought.

“Then the summer was a little bit different and took more time than anticipated but finally it happened.”

Cajuste is in no doubt that the aim is to get back to the Premier League in the campaign ahead.

“Of course, it’s the ultimate goal,” he continued. “That’s where we all want to play, that’s the final goal to reach and to stay there is the ambition.”

The midfielder rejoins a squad he has a lot of time for: “It’s a great group. I’ve said it before, it’s one of the best experiences I’ve had in my professional career in terms of teammates and camaraderie and team spirit.

“There’s not a doubt in my mind that this is a team that I would love to play in and I’m really happy that I can meet the guys again.”

Recent signing Azor Matusiwa may be a new face in the dressing room, but one which is familiar to Cajuste from their time playing together at Reims.

“A great player and a great guy,” he said of the Dutchman. “We played for about a year and half and got to know each other pretty well, not only on the pitch but also off the pitch, so I’m sure that will come to show on the pitch now.”

The one-time Midtjylland man is also looking forward to working with McKenna for a second season.

“Absolutely. A fantastic manager, fantastic person,” he said. “Just the highest level of respect.”

Cajuste says he’s also looking forward to playing in front of the fans for a second season.

“A big part of my decision to come back has been that appreciation that I’ve received and that I can honestly say I’ve never really felt anywhere else in my footballing career,” he said. “That’s absolutely one of the biggest parts in my decision to come back.”

Played footage of fans singing his name at Auxerre on Saturday, Cajuste smiled: “That makes me happy. I know I made the right choice.”


Photo: ITFC



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oioihardy added 18:42 - Aug 7
100% the fans got this over the line. Sounds like we helped alot in making him feel so welcome
14

ITFC_1994 added 18:49 - Aug 7
Don't want to sound dramatic, but in terms.s of quality I'd Jens the best player to ever play in the championship?? Hahaha
9

ITFC_1994 added 18:49 - Aug 7
Don't want to sound dramatic, but in terms.s of quality I'd Jens the best player to ever play in the championship?? Hahaha
1

LegendofthePhoenix added 18:49 - Aug 7
Fantastic. And well done to those fans at Auxerre!
8

ITFC_1994 added 18:49 - Aug 7
Don't want to sound dramatic, but in terms.s of quality I'd Jens the best player to ever play in the championship?? Hahaha
2

marinermyhero added 18:55 - Aug 7
Itfc 1994 ww heard ya lol
2

TimmyH added 18:58 - Aug 7
In my mind not for one moment did I doubt that he wouldn't come back ;)

Have to admit a bit surprised another club hasn't snapped him up!
5

Keanos_Barmy added 19:08 - Aug 7
Will the registration be in time for tomorrow night's match?
0

Lukeybluey added 19:21 - Aug 7
Im really looking forward to seeing Azor and Jens playing together... ive been trying to find clips of when they were together at Reims...but its hard to tell if theyre playing together... to be fair the clips Ive seen, Reims look like they played with 10 midfielders!
1

Furyan007 added 19:24 - Aug 7
Huge signing. I didn’t appreciate that he has played with Matusiwa before. Even better. Best midfield in the league.
2

Portman_Pie added 19:24 - Aug 7
Jens - I don’t care how long it took, how many clubs were interested, how many negotiations you undertook, how many rumours you were part of - I’m just super pleased you’re back here….!

Please - just be you, and as good as you were last season. - but in a championship style, with a club who’s fans genuinely, genuinely appreciated you last season.

Go on my man - drive us from midfield - and become a club legend in the next part of the process..!

So glad to have you back Sir…!!!!!
6

tetchris added 19:27 - Aug 7
Is Akpom going to be announced tomorrow morning?
1

bluesissy added 19:53 - Aug 7
100% you made the right choice Jens. Welcome back. You will be the most accomplished midfielder in the championship without doubt.
1

Tedray added 19:56 - Aug 7
Very good news a lovely man mature well beyond his years could we take a chance and sign Brandon Williams to help us out and get Jens to take him under his wing........
3

Gforce added 19:59 - Aug 7
Let's hope the obligation to buy is fulfilled, it'll mean we've had the season of our dreams!!
0

BotesdaleBlue added 20:06 - Aug 7
Really lovely words from Jens. It seems very heartfelt. A brilliant footballer and such a good fit for Town. Welcome back Jens.
2

leroy2488 added 20:13 - Aug 7
Great news to get Cajuste back.
Can only assume we agreed to not sign Akpom until too late for Birmingham game, to get Wagner to pull out and save face
0

Dissboyitfc added 20:31 - Aug 7
Really looking forward to seeing him team up with Matusiwa!!
0

Ebantiass added 20:36 - Aug 7
Absolutely delighted with this. He will be a rolls royce in the midfield of the championship. Wasn't disgraced in the premiere league and i believe he's got enough quality to really shine this season. If the gaffa uses him wisely this could be a fruitful partnership.
1

FreddySteady added 20:48 - Aug 7
5Live currently saying we’ve got an embarrassment of riches up front. And that were nailed on favourites to go up.
0

Marinersnose added 21:06 - Aug 7
A real quality addition but I’m hearing that others wouldn’t sign him because of his injury. Slightly concerning as we know of his injury history.
0

BurleysGloryDays added 21:27 - Aug 7
Wonderful wonderful news, huge testament to everyone at the club from McKenna and Ashton right the way through to the fans. Well done Everyone!
0

planetblue_2011 added 22:00 - Aug 7
Get in!!! Welcome home Jens
0

Wes_Burns_Top_Knot added 22:12 - Aug 7
Get him in the rhythm and we could have a Championship player of the season on our hands!
0

warfarinman69 added 22:27 - Aug 7
@Bluesissy - didn't mean to mark you down. Sorry, fingers had mind of their own again
0


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