EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Ipswich Town: Mark Ashton on whether Jens Cajuste will return.

Ipswich Town chairman Mark Ashton says ‘conversation continues’ with Jens Cajuste over his potential return to the club. The Swedish international joined the newly promoted Blues on a season-long loan from Italian club Napoli last summer after Brentford backed out of a deal during the medical process. It took some time for the 25-year-old, who is dealing with a knee ailment, to regain his strength. However, the skilful midfielder finished the relegation season as one of the team’s best performances.

Had Town stayed up, they would have been forced to sign Cajuste for about £10 million. He still has three years left on his contract, and Napoli has recaptured the Serie A title while his absence. “Jens is a loan player who I think has done really well for us,” says Ashton. “He’s dealt with some injuries this season, which have been widely publicised. “Our conversations with Jens are ongoing. A agreement for Jens to stay here for the long term would have to be something that works for us, him, and his club – and that conversation continues.” Cajuste was the only one of Town’s four loan players to play in the season-ending 3-1 home defeat to West Ham.

When asked if there was a chance the midfielder would stay, Blues manager Kieran McKenna responded: “We’ve enjoyed having Jens here, but there’s probably a lot to do for that to happen. We’ll see what the coming weeks bring.” Cajuste has played professional football in Denmark, France, Italy, and England. In March, he told the EADT and Ipswich Star: “We’ll see where it goes. I’ve had a great experience here so far, and that’s all I can say for now.

“I think Suffolk suits me. I’m a really easygoing, laid-back person, so I believe that fits me perfectly. I think it’s ideal for me.

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