Ipswich Town Shock Transfer Market with Last-Minute Cajuste Hijack Bid
Ipswich Town, under the leadership of Kieran McKenna, have stirred the summer transfer market with a dramatic twist, as they attempt to re-sign Swedish international Jens Cajuste in a late hijack of his imminent move to Turkish powerhouse Beşiktaş. Despite being relegated back to the Championship after just a single season in the Premier League, the Tractor Boys are refusing to sit quietly this summer.
Following a modest start to the window that saw only backup goalkeeper David Button arrive at Portman Road, Ipswich are now eyeing a significant midfield boost by reigniting interest in Cajuste—a player who already proved his worth at the club during a challenging Premier League campaign last season.
Cajuste’s Impressive Stint at Ipswich Sparks Return Ambitions
Jens Cajuste, who was on loan from Napoli last season, made 33 appearances across all competitions for Ipswich. He played 30 Premier League matches, scoring once and assisting once, while clocking up 1,976 minutes in England’s top flight. Despite battling a nagging knee injury, the Swedish international stood out as a composed and technically sound figure in Ipswich’s midfield.
His loan deal included a clause for a permanent £10 million transfer had Ipswich avoided relegation. Unfortunately, with the club’s demotion to the Championship, that clause was voided, and Cajuste returned to Napoli—temporarily, it now seems.
Solskjaer and Beşiktaş Close In—Until Ipswich Crash the Party
In recent days, Jens Cajuste appeared set for a fresh start under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Beşiktaş. The Turkish side reportedly agreed to a €1 million loan deal with Napoli, including an option to make the move permanent for €6.5 million depending on performance-related triggers. Acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano broke the news, declaring the move was close to completion.
But a fresh report from Alfredo Pedullà has now flipped the story on its head. According to Pedullà, Ipswich have swooped in with a new proposal, casting serious doubt over Cajuste’s switch to Istanbul. The question now is whether the Swedish international will be enticed by another go at Portman Road, even in a lower division, or if the promise of European football with Beşiktaş will win him over.
Midfield Needs Mounting—McKenna Eyes Cajuste Return as Catalyst
Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna has remained unusually quiet during this window, but sources suggest he’s now pressing the board for reinforcements. The club’s current midfield has been stripped of key players, with both Massimo Luongo and Jens Cajuste departing this summer. The return of Cajuste would not only plug a vital gap but elevate the quality of the squad significantly, especially at Championship level.
With only David Button joining the squad so far, and departures including Liam Delap, Axel Tuanzebe, Cameron Burgess, and several loan players, there’s a sense that Ipswich’s recruitment drive must accelerate—and Cajuste could be the keystone of that build.
Will Jens Cajuste Choose Familiarity or European Ambition?
All eyes are now on the 25-year-old Cajuste, whose decision could shape the trajectory of Ipswich’s 2024/25 campaign. Returning to Portman Road might offer a comfortable and proven environment, especially under a manager who clearly values his abilities. On the other hand, Beşiktaş present the lure of continental competition and the prestige of working under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
It’s a delicate balancing act for Cajuste, who now finds himself at the center of a dramatic transfer tug-of-war. With respected names like Fabrizio Romano and Alfredo Pedullà confirming Ipswich’s renewed approach, this saga may yet end in another surprise twist.
