Former West Bromwich Albion winger Matt Phillips has taken to social media to react to defender Cedric Kipre’s emotional goodbye message after leaving The Hawthorns.
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Kipre is set to complete his move to French side Reims as a free agent on Thursday after departing West Brom at the end of his contract this summer.
Kipre joined the Baggies from Wigan Athletic for a fee of just under £1 million in September 2020, but he initially struggled to establish himself in the team, and he spent time out on loan at Charleroi and Cardiff City.
However, after returning from his temporary spell in South Wales last summer, he became a key part of the Albion defence, and he played a crucial role last season as Carlos Corberan’s side reached the play-offs, where they were beaten by Southampton in the semi-finals.
Kipre was offered a new deal by the Baggies, but he decided against signing an extension, and he departs after scoring four goals and providing two assists in 67 appearances for the club.
The 27-year-old becomes the latest senior player to leave Albion this summer, following the likes of Phillips, Erik Pieters, Martin Kelly, Nathaniel Chalobah, Yann M’Vila, Adam Reach and Jovan Malcolm in heading out of the exit door.
Matt Phillips sends Cedric Kipre message after West Brom departure
While Kipre’s move to Reims has not yet been officially confirmed, the defender announced his departure from West Brom on social media on Wednesday night as he sent an emotional message to supporters.
“Thank you,” Kipre wrote on Instagram.
“As I say goodbye to you all, I wanted to show my gratitude for the support you’ve shown me throughout my time here. It has been a journey filled with many ups and downs, but I’m leaving with great memories.
“To my teammates, the staff, to the club and to the fans, thanks for being a part of my journey and allowing me to make the best out of this opportunity.”
Among those to react to Kipre’s post was ex-Albion winger Phillips, who was released this summer after scoring 31 goals and registering 31 assists in 255 appearances for the club.
The 33-year-old wished his former team-mate well as he prepares for his next adventure, simply writing: “Good luck my brother.”
The Baggies have brought in one new centre-back this summer, with Torbjorn Heggem arriving from Swedish side IF Brommapojkarna, and they still have Semi Ajayi, Kyle Bartley and Caleb Taylor on their books, so it remains to be seen whether Corberan will go back into the transfer market to find a replacement for Kipre.
Cedric Kipre departure is a big blow for West Brom
It is understandable that Kipre has decided to leave Albion to play in the French top flight, but his exit will be incredibly disappointing for Baggies supporters.
Kipre had a tough start to life at The Hawthorns, but after being brought back into the fold by Corberan last season, he was integral to his side’s promotion push.
The defender was voted as the Baggies’ Player of the Season by both his fellow players and supporters, underlining just how impressive his performances were, and there is no doubt he will be a huge loss.
Corberan has strengthened this defence this summer with the signing of Heggem, but they may need more depth at centre-back, particularly given Taylor’s lack of Championship experience, so the Spaniard will likely want to bring in a replacement for Kipre.
