Exclusive: How Don Goodman has feels about Ipswich Town signing ex-West Brom star | OneFootball

Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman has given his backing to Ipswich Town's anticipated loan signing of Cedric Kipre

Ipswich Town have agreed a loan move for former West Brom defender Cedric Kipre, and the deal includes a mandatory purchase clause if the Tractor Boys secure promotion back to the Premier League.

The potential arrival of Kipre comes at a somewhat much-needed time for Ipswich Town, who have lost Cameron Burgess to Swansea City on a free transfer this summer.

Burgess was a key figure in Town's back-to-back promotions from League One to the top-flight, making 127 appearances across all competitions during his time at Portman Road.

Kipre's extensive Championship experience could prove invaluable for the Suffolk side - the Ivorian international has made 176 appearances in the second-tier across spells with Wigan Athletic, West Bromwich Albion, and Cardiff City.

Don Goodman backs Ipswich Town, Cedric Kipre transfer

Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman has given his backing to Ipswich Town's anticipated loan signing of Cedric Kipre, describing it as a move that makes sense for all involved.

Speaking exclusively to FLW about the 28-year-old's impending move to Portman Road, Goodman explained, "I think a loan deal for Cedric Kipre makes a lot of sense, it bolsters their defensive ranks, they already have quite a number of central defenders on the books so there’ll be more competition for places."

The former West Brom striker was particularly complimentary about Kipre's second-tier credentials, highlighting his standout performances during his time at the Hawthorns. "But a good, solid Championship defender, who obviously his last season in the Championship with West Bromwich Albion a couple of seasons ago, played every single game and looked really good."

Goodman also noted how Baggies supporters were not pleased to lose the defender when his contract expired, "I know West Brom and the fans were particularly disappointed to lose him at the end of his contract," - Kipre won Supporters' Player of the Season after the 23/24 campaign.

Cedric Kipre moving to Ipswich Town is perfect timing for all parties

Goodman also believes the move represents excellent timing for everyone involved - given Kipre's situation at Reims following their relegation to Ligue 2.

"Played plenty enough for Reims in France last season but obviously relegation to them means he wouldn’t really want to be plying his trade in Ligue 2 and therefore a loan move back to England - and a really good club in Ipswich Town would make sense for all parties," he concluded.

Kipre made 28 appearances for Reims in Ligue 1 last season, including playing the full 90 minutes in their Coupe de France final defeat to PSG - showing his ability to perform at the highest level despite his team's relegation.

2018 was the year Kipre first moved to England. The then-21-year-old joined Wigan for £1m from Scottish side Motherwell on a three-year deal, he spent two years in Greater Manchester and played 77 times.

The purchase clause is a reported €4.5m - which provides Ipswich with the final say to make the move permanent should they achieve their primary objective of an immediate return to the Premier League.

Kipre's contract with Reims runs until 2027, but obviously the earlier-mentioned relegation has created an opportunity for the defender to return to English football, where he has consistently performed at Championship level throughout his career.

Goodman's words hold value in what would arguably make Kipre an attractive proposition for Ipswich - as they need to add to their defence following the departure of Cameron Burgess.