Upon their return to the Premier League, West Bromwich Albion have strengthened their defence with the addition of Cedric Kipre from Wigan Athletic. The 23-year-old, who has international experience with the Ivory Coast U23 squad, joins the Baggies on a four-year deal.
West Bromwich Albion Sign Cedric Kipre
Kipré announced. ☑️
We’re delighted to welcome defender Cedric Kipré to The Hawthorns on a four-year contract ✍️ pic.twitter.com/BLIPR6HwiE
— West Bromwich Albion (@WBA) September 4, 2020
Form in 2020
Despite Wigan’s relegation from the Championship, their form in 2020 would have placed them right at the top of the second tier. Their 12-point deduction for entering administration was what sent them down when, really, their post-lockdown form was among the best in the country.
Kipre was a big part of that and was also a key player for the Latics throughout the campaign. The Paris-born defender, who came through the youth ranks at Paris Saint-Germain, played 75 times in total during his two seasons at Wigan, with both of his goals for the club coming last season.
As well playing for the Latics, Kipre was at Leicester City as a youngster but failed to make a senior appearance for the Foxes. After spending time on loan at non-league side Corby Town, he made a permanent move to Motherwell and played there for one season before moving to Wigan.
Baggies Delighted to Land Kipre
Speaking to the club website about Kipre’s arrival, sporting & technical director Luke Dowling said: “I believe we’ve signed someone in Cédric who has got the potential to really establish himself as a Premier League defender.
“He was part of a Wigan team that, from the turn of the year, produced results which would have placed them in the Championship’s top three and Cédric was a very impressive figure in that run of form.
“He has been on our target list for some time. We are delighted to get the deal done and look forward to watching him progress.”
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