Ipswich Town Football Club has officially completed the signing of defensive midfielder Azor Matusiwa from French Ligue 1 side Stade Rennais. The 27-year-old Dutchman joins the EFL Championship club on a four-year contract in a deal reportedly worth €11.5 million.
Matusiwa initially arrived at Rennes approximately eighteen months ago, joining from Ligue 1 rivals Stade de Reims in a move valued at €15 million. His tenure with Les Rouge et Noir, however, didn`t quite live up to the initial high expectations set by that fee. Despite featuring 47 times across various competitions during his spell in Brittany, the former Netherlands U21 international struggled at times to consistently reproduce the dynamic performances that had made him a key figure at Reims.
With Rennes undergoing strategic squad restructuring under Sporting Director Loïc Désiré and reports suggesting Matusiwa was not guaranteed significant playing time moving forward under the current coaching setup, a transfer became a logical next step for both the player and the French club.
For Ipswich Town, this signing represents a significant investment and a clear statement of intent in their ongoing campaign. Securing a player of Matusiwa`s profile and experience, even one potentially looking for a fresh start to recapture his best form, adds considerable depth and competition to their midfield options as they navigate the competitive landscape of the EFL Championship.
Matusiwa`s four-year deal ties him to Portman Road until the summer of 2028, providing both the player and the club with stability. Having completed the necessary formalities, he will now look to put his challenging spell in France behind him and establish himself as a key figure in Ipswich`s push.
