Cedric Kipre set for West Brom return in 25/26 as Championship rivals agree deal
Cedric Kipre looks set to return to the Championship next season, but not with West Brom.
The Albion supporters had been hoping for a return to The Hawthorns for the 28-year-old, who departed the Baggies at the end of his contract to join French outfit Stade Reims.
However, after the French side’s relegation, Kipre is expected to be available for transfer this summer, with a move to West Brom’s Championship rivals on the cards.
Kipre set to join Ipswich on loan
Unfortunately, Kipre doesn’t seem to be returning to the Baggies as some supporters had hoped.
The Ivory Coast international had been spotted in Birmingham earlier this summer, and after turning down a chance to stay in the West Midlands last year, fans played with the idea of Kipre returning to right his wrongs.
| Club | Matches | Clean sheets |
| West Brom 2023/24 | 46 | 18 |
| Reims 2024/25 | 28 | 5 |
It has now been revealed by French media outlet Mercato (9 July) that Kipre will be loaned to Ipswich Town, with a mandatory purchase clause inserted into the deal should the Tractor Boys immediately return to the top flight.
He is under contract at Reims until June 2027 after leaving England last summer, and the French side’s relegation has forced them to consider letting some players leave.
Kipre had a turbulent time at West Brom, but after reestablishing himself after a loan spell at Cardiff, the Baggies will be sad not to see him in a blue and white shirt next season.
The Ivorian had won both the players’ and supporters’ Player of the Season awards during his final campaign, which ended in play-off heartbreak.
West Brom can now move on from Kipre speculation
A fairytale return for Kipre this season always looked difficult to make.
With West Brom’s managerial uncertainty earlier in the transfer window, The Albion were always going to be slow to the race for Kipre.
Ryan Mason’s side can now move on from the speculation and focus on the future and not the past.
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