The name Cédric Kipré might not be known by many but he’ll be well known in Scotland and now in Wigan. The centre back has just recently signed for Championship side Wigan Athletic from Scottish Premiership side Motherwell on a 3 year deal for a fee of £1M and I think Everton’s scouts should keep an eye on the young Paris born centre half next season.
Kipré certainly impressed in his first professional season as a regular first team player at Scottish Premiership side Motherwell. The 21 year old made 49 appearances scoring 1 goal.
Cédric Kipré started his career at the PSG youth academy, he then moved to Leicester City in 2014, in his time with Leicester he has had a loan spell at Corby Town. After failing to break into Leicester City’s first team Cédric got released as a free agent in June 2017. 12 months ago he had a successful trial at Scottish Premiership side Motherwell after impressing manager Stephen Robinson, the defender was rewarded with an initial 1 year deal. Within a month Motherwell had realised their coup and offered him a longer contract, keeping him at the club until 2019, and that was extended once more until 2020 in April. Cédric helped Motherwell to 2 major cup finals last season only to fall at the last hurdle on both occasions to Celtic. After having a really impressive first season, Cédric was called up to the Ivory Coast U23’s national side and made his debut in March.
Commanding in the air and in the tackle, Kipré combines a physical presence with a natural ability with the ball at his feet, able to pick players out from distance with passes and confident driving out from the back.
He also stands head and shoulders above his peers statistically. Of all players aged under 23 in the league in 2017/18, he was the highest for interceptions per 90 minutes, highest for shots blocked and third highest for successful defensive duels.
Kipré would definitely be the best young defender at the club if Everton signed him in the near future, I truly rate him better than £30 Million Michael Keane, he’s stronger, quicker and much better on the ball. I’ve personally watched Cédric grow as a player every week and I can say he will definitely be in the Premier League in the near future, so I hope it’s Everton that take him instead of another club snatching him. Cédric has grown in confidence every week due to having a strong relationship with the fans with his outstanding performances and admits this has helped him settle in at Fir Park.
Wigan bought the Motherwell defender for only a minimal fee of £1M and in today’s market it’s a fantastic deal for Wigan. Cédric Kipré will have the physical demands to cope in the Championship and can definitely help Wigan do well along with of course Antonee Robinson. I hope too see Cédric come up against Premier League opposition in cup competitions to see how he competes. I’m very surprised that a bigger team hasn’t snatched him up, in my opinion it’s because some people don’t take the Scottish game seriously. I truly believe Cédric can go where he wants in football and here’s hoping it’s possibly with Everton in the future.
– Robbie Bruce (@RobbieBruce2001)
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