Football transfer news continues to unfold, and the latest report points towards a significant potential move involving Stade de Reims centre-back Cédric Kipré. The 28-year-old Ivorian international is reportedly set to make a return to English football, joining Championship side Ipswich Town.
A Deal with a Conditional Future
According to reports, Kipré`s proposed switch to Portman Road would initially be a loan agreement, set unusually for the 2025/26 season. What makes this deal particularly noteworthy is the inclusion of a mandatory purchase clause. This clause, valued at €4.5 million, would be triggered only if Ipswich Town secures an immediate return to the Premier League during the season the loan is active. It`s a structure that places a future bet on Ipswich`s top-flight aspirations.
Shared Relegation Fortunes
Interestingly, both clubs involved in this potential transfer share the recent experience of relegation. Stade de Reims was sent down to Ligue 2 following a challenging conclusion to their Ligue 1 campaign. Similarly, Ipswich Town found themselves dropping out of the Premier League just a year after achieving promotion, highlighting the volatile nature of top-tier football.
Kipré`s Journey: From France to Familiar English Territory
Kipré arrived in Reims last summer on a free transfer from West Bromwich Albion. His debut season in Ligue 1 saw him feature prominently, making 28 league appearances. He also played the entirety of the Coupe de France final, where Reims faced a tough 0-3 defeat against Paris Saint-Germain at the Stade de France.
While his time in Ligue 1 was relatively brief, Kipré is far from a stranger to the English second tier. The former PSG academy player boasts extensive experience in the Championship, having accumulated 174 appearances across spells with Wigan Athletic, Barnsley, and West Brom. This prior experience makes him a known quantity in the division Ipswich is aiming to conquer.
International Recognition and Contract Status
Kipré`s performances last season did not go unnoticed internationally, earning him his first cap for Ivory Coast in June, participating in a 1-0 friendly defeat against New Zealand.
He remains under contract with Stade de Reims until 2027. However, if the reported deal materializes and Ipswich achieves promotion during the 2025/26 season, Reims stands to receive the €4.5 million fee specified in the mandatory purchase clause.
Strategic Play or Unusual Timing?
The reported timing of the loan – for the 2025/26 season – is somewhat unconventional for immediate transfer news. This suggests a piece of longer-term planning, perhaps allowing Ipswich to plan their squad structure with a potential future acquisition in mind, contingent on their league status. For Reims, it represents a potential future financial boost tied to another club`s success, a perhaps passive way to recoup funds on a player acquired on a free transfer.
This potential move sees Kipré returning to a league where he has proven his capabilities, offering Ipswich a defender with significant Championship pedigree, provided the deal structure and the future promotion scenario align as reported.
