Sunderland told Cedric Kipre transfer fee amid ‘perilous’ situation – Exclusive
Sunderland are armed with substantial funds after securing their Premier League status, but will have to be transfer savvy.
By achieving promotion, the Black Cats will be able to obtain players of a higher standing as they aim to survive at the first hurdle.
The Wearsiders are short in the hub of their back line, with Chris Mepham returning to AFC Bournemouth following his loan.
Sunderland have identified Stade de Reims centre-back Cedric Kipre as a target despite his relegation to Ligue 2.
Sunderland’s chances of landing Cedric Kipre revealed
Kipre will be familiar to some English fans, given he spent just under four years as a West Brom player.
The defender joined Reims last season, but was unable to save them from relegation to the second tier.
Reims’ demise has sparked speculation regarding Kipre’s future, and France-based journalist Luke Entwistle has provided insight on his future.
“It’s been a dreadful season for them, but it’s a season that [Kipre] can leave with a little bit of credit,” he exclusively told Mackem News when asked about the potential transfer.
“He is one of the most imposing players I’ve ever seen, who I’ve been close to on a football pitch; he’s got a really great physical profile, a really good box defender. I’m actually quite a big fan of his.”
| Cedric Kipre’s 2024/25 Ligue 1 statistics | Total |
| Appearances | 28 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Accurate passes | 40.8 (90%) |
| Clean sheets | 4 |
| Interceptions | 1.1 |
| Tackles per game | 1.5 |
“I think that they’ll struggle to keep hold of Kipre, because he has actually performed pretty well.
“He has a certain value in the English market as well, having played for West Brom prior to joining France, so he will come cheaper.
“For sure, there’s no way that they’re going to be getting more than €10million (£8.42m) for him.
“Given [Reims’] situation, which is pretty perilous, given their relegation, the financial situation more generally in France, he will be a very attainable prospect.
“He is someone who already has experience in England as well, so actually, it’s quite a nice pickup for a team like Sunderland.”
Kipre an attainable signing for Sunderland
Taking into account everything about Kipre’s current situation, he seems like a go-to signing for Sunderland.
Of course, he has just been relegated, but so was Regis Le Bris this time last year with FC Lorient.
Kipre’s Ligue 1 statistics make for solid reading, and he already has experience of playing in England with several clubs.
As the Premier League side look to the French market again, Kipre would be a realistic acquisition.