Ipswich Town is making significant strides this summer as they edge closer to finalizing two key signings from French football, aiming to bolster their squad for the upcoming season. The club is on the brink of securing defender Cedric Kipre from Reims on a season-long loan and has agreed a substantial fee with Rennes for the acquisition of Dutch midfielder Azor Matusiwa. These moves mark the Blues' first major signings of the summer, following the earlier addition of veteran goalkeeper David Button on a free transfer from Reading.
Cedric Kipre, 28, is a commanding centre-back whose reputation in the Championship precedes him. With 180 appearances in England's second tier across stints at Wigan, Cardiff, and West Brom, Kipre brings a wealth of experience and defensive versatility. His potential arrival reunites him with former teammates Alex Palmer, Christian Walton, Sam Morsy, Dara O'Shea, and Conor Townsend at Portman Road, which could prove invaluable as Ipswich seeks to fill gaps left by the departures of Cameron Burgess and Axel Tuanzebe.
According to reports by L'Equipe, the loan deal for Kipre includes an obligation to buy for €4.5 million should Ipswich Town achieve promotion back to the Premier League in the 2025/26 season. This clause underscores the club's ambition to return to the top flight and their confidence in Kipre's ability to contribute to that goal.
Meanwhile, the midfield is set to gain a dynamic new presence in Azor Matusiwa, a 27-year-old defensive midfielder whose profile has drawn comparisons to N'Golo Kante for his relentless work rate, tackling, and interception capabilities. An Ajax academy graduate, Matusiwa has cultivated his career through various Dutch clubs, including Groningen and a loan spell at De Graafschap, before moving to France's Reims in 2021. His performances there earned him a big-money transfer to Rennes in January 2024 for a reported €16 million.
On July 10, 2025, it was confirmed that Ipswich Town had agreed an €11.5 million (£9.9 million) fee plus add-ons with Rennes for Matusiwa, making him the club's first outfield signing of the summer. Reports from France indicated that Matusiwa was withdrawn from a Rennes friendly against Saint-Brieuc as negotiations advanced, signaling the seriousness of the deal. Rennes manager Habib Beye acknowledged the midfielder’s imminent departure, stating, "Matusiwa is on his way out." This transfer fee represents a slight reduction from his previous valuation but reflects Ipswich's commitment to strengthening their squad.
Matusiwa’s stature at 5ft 8in has sparked some discussion among fans, especially considering Ipswich's recent challenges with physicality on the pitch. However, supporters and club insiders alike have pointed out that height does not necessarily equate to physical presence. Comparisons to players like Claude Makelele, who stood at 5ft 9in but was known for his strength and tenacity, suggest that Matusiwa’s playing style and defensive acumen will be assets rather than liabilities.
His arrival comes at a crucial time for Ipswich’s midfield, which has been significantly weakened following the departures of Jens Cajuste, Kalvin Phillips, and Massimo Luongo after the club’s relegation. Matusiwa’s ability to provide competition and cover for existing midfielders such as Sam Morsy, Jack Taylor, and Cameron Humphreys is expected to be vital as the Blues aim to rebuild and push for promotion.
Beyond his club career, Matusiwa has represented the Netherlands at under-16 and under-21 levels and remains eligible to play internationally for Angola. His contract with Rennes runs until 2028, indicating that Ipswich's acquisition is a significant investment in a player with potential longevity and growth.
The dual pursuit of Kipre and Matusiwa highlights Ipswich Town's strategic approach to recruitment this summer, targeting experienced, versatile players with proven track records in competitive leagues. The pairing of a seasoned Championship defender with a dynamic, technically gifted midfielder could provide the balance Ipswich needs to solidify their squad depth and quality.
Fans have expressed a mix of excitement and cautious optimism about these developments. Online discussions reveal hope that Matusiwa can be the successor to Sam Morsy in the defensive midfield role, filling big shoes with his energy and ball-winning skills. Others note that the club still has several key positions to fill, including additional central midfielders and strikers, to fully realize their ambitions for the season ahead.
Veteran goalkeeper David Button’s earlier signing adds further experience to the squad, complementing the new arrivals and reinforcing the club's commitment to assembling a competitive team. As Ipswich Town continues to navigate the transfer window, the focus remains on building a squad capable of mounting a serious promotion challenge.
With the transfer window in full swing, Ipswich Town's moves for Kipre and Matusiwa signal a proactive and ambitious approach to the upcoming campaign. As negotiations conclude and players prepare to join the squad, the Blues look poised to strengthen their ranks significantly, blending experience and youthful energy in pursuit of Premier League football once again.
