Exclusive: Ipswich Town backed to seal “big coup” signing as transfer hijack reports emerge….
Ipswich Town have been urged to re-sign Jens Cajuste this summer following late developments, despite the midfielder appearing set for a move to Turkish giants Besiktas.
The 25-year-old Swedish international impressed during his loan spell at Portman Road last season, making 30 appearances and scoring one goal as the Tractor Boys were relegated from the top-flight.
Cajuste was beaten to the Supporters Player of the Year award by Liam Delap by just 36 votes – showing his popularity among the Town faithful.
His immediate future appeared settled when Besiktas agreed terms with Napoli for a loan deal worth €1m with a €6.5m buy option that becomes mandatory if he plays 15 games.
However, the transfer has stalled dramatically with Cajuste yet to give his final approval for the move to Istanbul. Reports suggest the player is taking time to consider his options, with Ipswich making a late approach to hijack the deal.
Lee Hendrie sees Cajuste as the perfect Championship signing
Jens Cajuste at Ipswich Town
Speaking exclusively to FLW about the potential transfer, former Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie believes signing Cajuste will be a no-brainer for Kieran McKenna’s side as they prepare for life back in the second-tier.
“I do think this would be a big coup for Ipswich,” Hendrie told FLW.
“I think anyone that has had a taste of Premier League football which he has, you know, and following a journey of them obviously getting relegated into the championship and knowing you have to take that step down.”
The Sky Sports pundit spoke about the importance of attracting players with top-flight experience, “I think if you can attract and bring players in of that calibre there’s no doubt that he’ll be a fabulous signing for Ipswich.”
“He’s got bags of potential, 25 years of age, and you know he’s already had a taste of playing in an Ipswich Town shirt.”
During his time at Portman Road, Cajuste established himself as a key player in McKenna’s system, featurinhg prominently as a defensive midfielder. His experience with them at the highest level, combined with his age and potential – does make him an attractive option to re-sign.
Jens Cajuste’s 24/25 PL stats, as per FotMob
Appearances
30
Goals
1
Assists
1
Interceptions
28
Duels won
107
Ipswich Town’s potential agreement with Napoli may look different now
General view of Portman Road.
There’s no denying the structure of any potential deal financially will be a big deal-breaker for Ipswich.
Their original loan agreement with Napoli included an obligation to buy for €13.5m if they avoided relegation – with their Premier League status lost, the club now faces the challenge of negotiating new terms for a player they clearly value.
Besiktas’ proposed deal offers a more affordable alternative, with the €1m loan fee and €6.5m purchase option much better value than their original terms, which could work in Town’s favour if they can match or improve slightly upon the Turkish side’s offer.
As the summer window progresses, Cajuste’s impending decision will certainly impact both clubs’ planning. For Ipswich, securing his signature again would be a statement of intent for immediate promotion back up to the top.
Hendrie’s endorsement carries weight, and his belief that Cajuste would be a “fabulous signing” does reflect the player’s quality and potential impact in a lower-standard setting.
The coming days/weeks will perhaps be vital in determining whether the Suffolk outfit can successfully hijack Besiktas’ move and convince Cajuste to return to Portman Road for another season.
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