Ipswich Town have wasted no time in preparing for their return to the Premier League, confirming two permanent signings to bolster their squad for the 2026/27 campaign.
The Tractor Boys secured automatic promotion with a second-place finish in the Championship, sealing the deal in style with a commanding 3-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers on the final day of the season. Now, with top-flight football back on the horizon, the club has moved quickly to turn two loan stars into permanent fixtures.
First up is defender Cédric Kipré, who originally joined on loan from French side Stade de Reims last summer. The towering centre-back has been a rock at the back, making 35 appearances across all competitions and chipping in with three goals. His new deal runs until the end of the 2027/28 season, signaling the club's long-term faith in his abilities.
While Kipré's announcement was met with enthusiasm, the news for striker Chuba Akpom was more understated. The forward, who arrived on loan from Ajax, has had a challenging campaign, finding the net just twice in 31 appearances. Despite the dip in form, Ipswich have exercised their option to make the move permanent, with Akpom signing on until the end of the 2028/29 season.
As the Tractor Boys gear up for the Premier League, these signings show a blend of stability and potential—Kipré providing defensive solidity, while Akpom will look to rediscover the form that made him a feared marksman in the Championship. For fans, it's a clear statement of intent: Ipswich are building for the long haul.
