Ipswich Town have bolstered their squad ahead of the new season with the double acquisition of Dutch midfielder Azor Matusiwa and Ivorian defender Cedric Kipré.
Matusiwa joins the Tractor Boys from French side Rennes on a permanent deal for an undisclosed fee, signing a four-year contract at Portman Road. The 27-year-old made 29 Ligue 1 appearances for Rennes last season, scoring once, and brings top-flight European experience to Kieran McKenna’s midfield.
A product of the Ajax youth academy, Matusiwa began his professional career with De Graafschap before moving on to Groningen and then Reims in 2021. He joined Rennes during the January 2024 transfer window and now makes the switch to English football as Ipswich prepare for their return to the Premier League.
Meanwhile, central defender Cedric Kipré arrives on a season-long loan from Ligue 1 club Reims. The 27-year-old is no stranger to English football, having previously played for Wigan Athletic, West Bromwich Albion, and Cardiff City, where he spent the 2022–23 season on loan.
Kipré’s physicality and familiarity with the Championship and Premier League environments will provide valuable depth to Ipswich’s defensive line.
These two additions mark another statement of intent from Ipswich, who are looking to strengthen key areas ahead of their Premier League campaign after a remarkable promotion last season.
Ipswich Town have strengthened their squad with the signing of Dutch midfielder Azor Matusiwa on a permanent deal from Rennes and the loan acquisition of Ivorian defender Cedric Kipré from Reims.
Matusiwa, 27, arrives at Portman Road on a four-year contract after making 29 Ligue 1 appearances for Rennes last season, in which he scored once. A product of Ajax’s famed youth academy, the midfielder has built a solid career in Europe with stints at De Graafschap, Groningen, Reims, and most recently Rennes, whom he joined in January 2024.
Meanwhile, Ivory Coast international Cedric Kipré, 28, joins Ipswich on a season-long loan from French side Reims, where he made 28 appearances last season. The deal includes an option for Ipswich to make the move permanent.
Kipré is well known to English football fans, having previously featured for Wigan Athletic, West Bromwich Albion, and Cardiff City, where he had a loan spell during the 2022–23 season.
Speaking to the club’s official website, Kipré expressed enthusiasm about joining the Tractor Boys and working under manager Kieran McKenna.
“I spoke with the manager and I really liked what he said about the way he wants to work,” Kipré said. “He wants to work hard – I also want to work hard.”
The double signing signals Ipswich’s intent to bounce back quickly following their relegation from the Premier League. With Matusiwa adding energy and experience in midfield and Kipré reinforcing the defence, the club is positioning itself for a strong Championship campaign.
Ipswich begin their 2025–26 season away to Birmingham City on Friday, 8 August.
