Kipre Permanent Deal Confirmed
Tuesday, 5th May 2026 16:00

Central defender Cedric Kipre’s loan from Ligue 2 Stade Reims will become a permanent two-year deal from July 1st, Town have confirmed.

Kipre, 29, joined the Blues for the season last summer with the move including an obligation to become permanent for what’s understood to be a fee of €2.5 million (£2.16 million) should Town win promotion back to the Premier League, as they did on Saturday.

Ivorian international Kipre played a significant part in that success, making 29 Championship starts and three sub appearances, scoring three goals, including the opener in the 3-1 East Anglian derby victory over Norwich at Portman Road.

“It feels brilliant to be officially part of this massive club after everything we have achieved together,” Kipre told the club site.

“I have loved being here since the first day I arrived. Everyone welcomed me so well and it didn’t feel like I was on loan, so I’m delighted to become a permanent player.

“I can’t wait for next season and it will mean a lot to represent this club in the Premier League. It’s been my dream and I’m very, very happy.”

Meanwhile, midfielder Jens Cajuste’s loan from Napoli had a similar clause but it’s understood that the Sweden international didn’t make enough appearances to activate the €7.5 million (£6.5 million) obligation.

However, it’s believed, the Blues could still opt to sign the Gothenburg-born midfielder anyway if they choose to do so with the terms of the clause available to them until June 10th.

Although Cajuste’s involvement in the Championship was limited, the 26-year-old was one of the Blues’ standout performers in the 2024/25 Premier League campaign.

Striker Ivan Azon’s spell from another Serie A side, Como, was a straight loan with no option or obligation to become permanent this summer. Whether the Blues might look to sign the 23-year-old on a longer-term basis will be determined over the summer.

Photo: Matchday Images

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TownSupporter added 18:22 - May 5

Linkboy 100% correct. We need to improve the team we have now with players competing in the Premiership. You cannot be sentimental. Premiership is do or die.

Azon not remotely good enough for Premiership and is far too small. Won't hold up remotely well against stronger ball winning defenders.

We don't need squad players, we need to improve on what we have.

We didn't really achieve that last time and it cost us dearly.

grow_our_own added 18:22 - May 5

"Far too much sentimental waffle on here if we are going to make a fist of staying in the Premier league we have to be more ambitious." - like we were last time? We ripped up our defence and GK and made it worse. This time it'd be even more egregious considering our goals conceded is far superior to the team that went up in 2024. Show some faith in the backline & keeper, no more babies thrown out (Burgess) with bathwater. We'll have to spend a bomb in attacking areas if we are to stay up, let's not fix what isn't broken at the back.

Edmundo added 18:31 - May 5 Not just a good player for the squad, but a good person for the club. Lovely guy who gives his all.
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ChingShady added 18:41 - May 5 Might be in the less common camp here, but I really hope we sign Jens. His style of play and his qualities shine more in the premier league than it doesbin the champ. Even as an impact sub in the midfield. He's got that X factor on him and we saw plenty of those moments in the prem season. Please don't give up on him people, you'd be surprised!
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pup12 added 19:32 - May 5

Kipre didn’t a decent job in Championship.But as mentioned not the best with ball at his feet .And has a mistake in him. Cajuste not for me. Goes missing in games to many times , kmc knew this so stopped giving him game time.
We need as Ashton mentioned last pre season powerful,athletic,technically good players .We got bullied last time in premier league and that cost us.

dirtydingusmagee added 20:19 - May 5 Lets be honest somehow we got promoted by autos but be serious we have nothing like a prem squad.Imo we have a worse squad than for some time. Apart from a couple of players we are miles short Well done for promotion,but dont lets get carried away. We are way off being anything other than canon fodder at m9ment
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Geordietown68 added 20:35 - May 5 As previously said if he can cut out lapses in concentration he will be suited to prem due to his physicality and superb passing range. And played well in french league1
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TimmyH added 21:59 - May 5 Can see him as a bit part player next season (certainly not a starter) but at £2M neither here nor there...bit surprised we signed him, maybe McK see's him for the season after? :)
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bluetoba added 23:13 - May 5 Great signing. Who cares if he can’t contain Harland etc, as long as he can compete with the strikers from the bottom half teams its a start. Rome not built in a day.
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BeachBlue added 06:24 - May 6 I maybe wrong, it won't be the first time, but I think Azon would be like Pablo Counago was in his first time at the club, a second season striker. He could be a good signing
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Gazelle added 08:28 - May 6 Instead making all these inane comments and ridiculous suggestions why don’t we all let KMcK do what’s right for our club. He knows more than anyone on here and knows who he wants.
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BlueMoolay added 08:32 - May 6 Gazelle....What are you even doing on here.? If you don't like people giving their opinions...do one. You don't have to be on here.
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darkhorse28 added 09:50 - May 6

I’m not sure he is a good back up. He was excellent as a regular, found his sharpness, looked very good at times. Thought he looks levels below that when he’s not playing week in week out.

Reminds me of Morsy in that he’s one of the few players seems to really find his rhythm the more he plays. Thrives on two games a week, coming in for games when required doesn’t seem to suit him, wouldn’t be shocked if he moves on. Did great though.

OldFart71 added 10:36 - May 6 I did think we would buy him but as for Cajuste and Akpom no thanks. We need a decent number 9 and 10, cover for Furlong. Someone alongside Matusiwa. Vipotnik and Azeez maybe if Millwall fail to get promotion. I see five purchases and three loans as being sufficient.
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The_Prof added 12:22 - May 6

As far as Azon is concerned, much though I love his work-rate, his proclivity for chucking himself to the ground and adopting the crucifix position at every opportunity has infuriated me at times, and has given the club a bad rep with neutral/opposition supporters. I know we shouldn't care what others think and results are everything, but I have always believed that ITFC should play the game the 'right' way, and dramatic diving isn't our style.

Lennie added 12:35 - May 6

Wise words from bringmesKuqi … our base line is higher and we have a number in the squad who will be good squad players but we will need a number of first choice players bought … striker (perhaps two) number 10, fingers crossed Philogene or Clarke can step up … they have been our most productive area with Davis but collectively will not produce anywhere near as much in premiership… I think McAteer will step up Wallie needs a season out on loan need a top class creative midfielder, I’m concerned about Davis … coming forward he will be less effective and will be found it defensively… although I think we are well positioned for central defenders I am a firm believer that we need a strong spine… so central defender and a top keeper… not a criticism of Walton or Palmer… either would be good back up … so we need 2x9, 10 central creative midfielder field (Cajuste?) central defender and keeper… should get all within a £200m budget … then in Jan we may find some have not stepped up so can address that in window… very hopeful we can survive this time

Lennie added 12:35 - May 6

poldark added 15:35 - May 6 What a waste of money just shows how poor Ashton is this signing is a complete waste of money
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poldark added 15:40 - May 6 Sorry Mr Kipre thought this was Akron post although don’t think Kipre is good enough for the Premier league surely we want a much better premier league player not someone not good enough for the championship
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