Ipswich Town have wasted no time preparing for their return to the Premier League, officially completing their first signing for next season almost immediately after sealing promotion.
The Tractor Boys confirmed their place back in the top flight following a dominant 3-0 win over QPR at Portman Road, ending their brief Championship spell at the first attempt under Kieran McKenna. The victory sparked emotional celebrations inside the stadium and later in the dressing room, where club investor and lifelong supporter Ed Sheeran joined players and staff in marking the achievement.
But even before the celebrations had fully settled, Ipswich’s transfer business for the Premier League campaign was already underway.
Defender Cedric Kipre has now officially become the club’s first addition for next season, with his permanent move triggered by a promotion clause in his loan agreement.
The 29-year-old centre-back joined Ipswich on loan from French side Reims and agreed terms that automatically converted his stay into a permanent transfer should the club secure promotion. With that condition now met, the deal was activated immediately after the final whistle of the Championship season.
Kipre featured heavily throughout the campaign, making 25 appearances in all competitions and contributing three goals from defence. His physical presence and consistency made him an important part of McKenna’s back line during a demanding promotion push.
Having already experienced spells across English football with clubs including Wigan Athletic, West Brom, and Cardiff City, Kipre arrives with significant Championship and domestic experience, although he is yet to feature in the Premier League. Next season will therefore mark his long-awaited debut at the highest level of English football.
Following confirmation of the move, Kipre shared his reaction on social media, expressing pride in both the achievement and his role in it. Posting a series of images, he wrote: “What a day. What a season. What a club. Job done @premierleague ALL THE GLORY BE TO GOD.”
His signing is expected to be the first of several as Ipswich begin building a squad capable of surviving in the Premier League. After earning promotion at the first time of asking, the club now face the challenge of reinforcing key areas while maintaining the cohesion that delivered success.
McKenna’s side were one of the most consistent teams in the Championship, finishing ahead of several established competitors and narrowly securing automatic promotion. The focus now shifts quickly from celebration to survival planning, with recruitment expected to ramp up in the coming weeks.
While the emotional high of promotion is still fresh, Ipswich’s swift confirmation of Kipre’s signing signals a clear intent: the club are not returning to the Premier League just to participate, but to establish themselves.
More arrivals are expected to follow as Ipswich prepare for one of the biggest challenges in their modern history.
