Kieran McKenna officially makes first signing since Ipswich Town promotion to Premier League

Last Week it was confirmed that Ipswich Town are returning to the Premier League under the leadership of Kieran McKenna after being relegated last year.

The Tractor Boys unfortunately were relegated in their first time back in the Premier League since 2002, however are now getting another shot in the top flight.

After securing second-place, coming runners-up to Coventry City, Kieran McKenna is now assembling his team in the bid of avoiding a return to the Championship next summer.

As such, Ipswich Town have taken to their official website to confirm their first new signing since gaining promotion in the form of recent Ajax loanee Cuba Akpom.

Kieran McKenna signs reinforcements ahead of Premier League campaign

Announcing their first new signing, Ipswich Town revealed: “Ipswich Town can confirm Chuba Akpom will join the Blues on a permanent deal.”

The statement continued: “The forward, 30, moved to Portman Road on loan from Ajax in the summer of 2025, with a permanent move subsequently triggered during the course of the 2025/26 season.

“Chuba made a total of 31 appearances throughout the course of the campaign, with goals against Hull City and Oxford United coming in vital victories to help Town secure promotion to the Premier League.

“The permanent deal for Chuba, which runs until 2029, will come into effect from 1 July.”

However, he wasn’t the only new signing for Kieran McKenna today, as the club have also confirmed the signing of Cedric Kipre.

Announcing their second signing, Ipswich Town revealed: “Ipswich Town is pleased to confirm the permanent signing of Cédric Kipré from Stade de Reims on a two-year contract.

“The central defender spent the 2025/26 season on loan with the Blues and, during the campaign, has triggered a deal to make him a Town player on a permanent basis for an undisclosed fee.

“Cédric, 29, made 32 league appearances for Town in the 2025/26 season, scoring goals against Norwich City, Sheffield Wednesday, and Wrexham.”

Clearly the pair of loanees made a strong enough impression for Kieran McKenna to keep them around in their bid to secure a continued place in the Premier League.