Ipswich Town are closing in on a major midfield boost with Swedish international Jens Cajuste set to return to Portman Road.
As reported yesterday, the 25-year-old is poised to rejoin the club on loan from Napoli, with an obligation to buy if promotion is achieved this season. Today, a medical is reportedly due as the transfer gathers momentum.
Cajuste Set For Tractor Boys Return
Cajuste made a strong impression during his initial loan spell with Ipswich last season, making 33 appearances in all competitions. His composure on the ball and intelligent distribution offered a rare bright spot in what proved to be a difficult campaign ending in relegation from the Premier League.
Now, with Kieran McKenna staying at the helm and a renewed promotion push underway, the Tractor Boys are bringing Cajuste back for another season. According to reports, the deal includes a €1m (£870,000) loan fee and a mandatory €6.5m (£5.5m) purchase clause if Ipswich secure promotion to the top flight.
Cajuste’s return would represent a significant upgrade in midfield following the collapse of a proposed deal for Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney. The Swede is widely respected for his tactical awareness and ability to operate in multiple roles, making him an ideal fit for McKenna’s fluid 4-3-3 system.
Premier League Ambitions Take Shape
Cajuste has played for FC Midtjylland, Stade Reims and Napoli across his career, and is also eligible to represent the United States internationally. His stint in Suffolk last season saw him register a goal and an assist, most notably scoring in a 4-2 defeat at Nottingham Forest.
With the Championship season about to begin, Ipswich are strengthening further. The club are also in advanced talks to sign Ajax striker Chuba Akpom, who is expected to provide competition for George Hirst following Liam Delap’s departure to Chelsea.
McKenna’s squad is shaping up with clear intent: to bounce straight back to the Premier League. A midfield trio of Cajuste, Sam Morsy and Massimo Luongo would be one of the strongest in the division, while the added firepower up front could make the difference in tight matches.
Writer’s View
This is a very smart move by Ipswich Town. Cajuste already understands the system and expectations under Kieran McKenna, and his versatility and composure in midfield will be invaluable across a long Championship season.
Crucially, the deal structure gives Ipswich the short-term lift they need while keeping long-term planning in place if promotion is achieved. With Cajuste returning and Akpom potentially joining, the squad is beginning to take a shape that should worry other promotion contenders.
