Reims set to sign former West Bromwich’s defender Cédric Kipré | OneFootball

Having made the signature of a centre back their top priorities following Yunis Abdelhamid’s (36) departure on a free transfer, Stade de Reims are edging closer to sealing Cédric Kipré’s (27) deal, reports Sky.

Impacted by the Ligue 1’s TV rights issue, Reims is yet to register a new player in this summer transfer window. The Champagne club just concluded another solid season, finishing in the top 10 for the first time in four years. Reims have, however, known a chaotic end of the season, with Will Still leaving his position two games prior to the end of the campaign. The British manager, now at RC Lens, has been replaced by former Le Havre head coach Luka Eisner. Still isn’t the only big loss suffered by Reims, with the club’s captain Abdelhamid having left for AS Saint-Etienne after seven seasons at the Champagne side. With left back’s Thibault De Smet (26) also leaving following his contract expiry, Reims are now forced to rebuild at least half of their back line and are close to sealing a good opportunity on the transfer market.

One of West Bromwich Albion’s standout players last season, Kipré is now available on a free transfer following his contract expiry with the Baggies. During the last Championship campaign, the Ivorian centre-back only missed two of the 48 matches, logging three goals and one assist throughout the season. According to a report by Sky Sports, Reims have beaten fierce competition to sign Kipré, and the transfer could be sealed in the next few days.

GFFN l Grégoire Devaux