Cédric Kipré earns permanent Ipswich Town FC stay

Ivorian centre-back Cédric Kipré has received a timely reward for his commanding performances during Ipswich Town’s triumphant 2025/26 Sky Bet Championship promotion campaign.

Kipré has officially secured a permanent contract with Ipswich Town FC following the conclusion of a hugely successful loan spell from French Ligue 1 outfit, Stade de Reims.

The club is pleased to confirm the permanent signing of Cédric Kipré from @StadeDeReims. 🤝

— Ipswich Town (@IpswichTown) May 5, 2026

In an official statement, the newly promoted Premier League side confirmed the capture of the towering Ivorian on a two-year contract. The Blues have opted not to disclose the exact transfer fee involved in securing the services of the 29-year-old defender on a full-time basis.

Ipswich Town justify Kipré retention

“Ipswich Town is pleased to confirm the permanent signing of Cédric Kipré from Stade de Reims on a two-year contract,” the club’s official statement reads.

“The central defender spent the 2025/26 season on loan with the Blues and, during the campaign, has triggered a deal to make him a Town player on a permanent basis for an undisclosed fee.”

Cédric Kipré in his own words after Ipswich Town switch

Reacting to the news, the Ivorian international expressed his thrill at securing a long-term future at Portman Road.

“It feels brilliant to be officially part of this massive club after everything we have achieved together,” Kipré told the Ipswich Town website.

“I have loved being here since the first day I arrived. Everyone welcomed me so well, and it never truly felt like I was just on loan, so I’m delighted to finally become a permanent player.

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

Cédric Kipré’s form in numbers

The new contract for Kipré will officially come into effect from 1 July 2026 and run until the summer of 2028. This deal serves as a just reward for his consistency, having made 32 league appearances and netted three crucial goals for Ipswich Town during the 2025/26 season.

The Paris Saint-Germain academy graduate was instrumental in helping the English side finish second in the Sky Bet Championship with 84 points, thereby ending the club’s long wait for a Premier League return.

Stade de Reims statement

In a reciprocal statement released on Tuesday, 5 May 2026, Stade de Reims confirmed the departure of the defender to the English top-flight newcomers.

“Stade de Reims wishes him every success for the upcoming season in the Premier League, as well as for the remainder of his professional career,” the French club’s statement concluded.

Cédric Kipré et Ipswich Town FC en Premier League 👏

La montée acquise ce week-end entraîne la levée automatique de l’option d’achat concernant le défenseur ivoirien : Cédric Kipré s’engage définitivement avec les Tractor Boys.

Le Stade de Reims lui souhaite pleine réussite… pic.twitter.com/ZzhXboBYtK

— Stade de Reims (@StadeDeReims) May 5, 2026