Stade de Reims` central defender Cédric Kipré, aged 28, is reportedly poised for a return to English football. The Ivorian international is expected to join Championship club Ipswich Town on loan for the duration of the 2025/26 season, according to reports from L’Équipe. The proposed agreement includes a clause for a mandatory purchase, valued at €4.5 million, which would be activated if Ipswich secures immediate promotion back to the Premier League.
Both participating clubs experienced relegation in the previous season. Reims dropped down to Ligue 2 after a challenging conclusion to their Ligue 1 campaign, while Ipswich was relegated from the Premier League after spending just one year following their promotion.
Kipré arrived at Reims last summer on a free transfer from West Bromwich Albion. He made 28 appearances in Ligue 1 during his inaugural season in the division. He also participated for the full 90 minutes in the 0-3 defeat to PSG in the Coupe de France final at the Stade de France in May.
Although the former PSG academy player did not feature in Ligue 1 prior to the 2023/24 season, he possesses considerable experience in England`s second tier, having played 174 Championship matches across five seasons with Wigan, Barnsley, and West Brom. His performances last season also led to him earning his first international cap for Ivory Coast in June, during a 1-0 loss against New Zealand.
Kipré`s current contract with Reims runs until 2027. However, the club anticipates receiving the €4.5 million fee from this deal should Ipswich achieve promotion.
