Swedish midfielder Jens Cajuste has not started a league game for Ipswich Town since January 31st.

The 26-year-old’s loan deal from Napoli includes a buy-out provision that could cost the Tractor Boys about £7.5 million if they reach the Premier League.

When he returned to the Tractor Boys last summer after a successful first season in Suffolk, he told the East Anglian Daily Times that the place “suits me like a hand in glove.”

But, given how this season has gone for him, has Cajuste done enough to earn a permanent contract at the aforementioned salary?

Jens Cajuste “flatters to deceive” for Ipswich Town under Kieran McKenna.

Kieran McKenna, Ipswich’s head coach, stated at the time that bringing Cajuste back to Portman Road was a top priority, describing the midfielder as a “outstanding” player who he believed could make a significant difference.

According to FLW’s Ipswich Town Fan Pundit, Adam Wilkin, the Town manager’s stance on the £7.5 million price tag may have changed.”Cajuste flatters to deceive,” Wilkin explained. “You watch him absolutely turn a midfielder, leave him for dead in the middle of the park one minute, and then the next minute, just completely switch off and not track his man.”

The Fan Pundit said, “He’s a bit of an enigma to me. He certainly has the skill, and I wouldn’t say he lacks work ethic because he works hard; I believe he simply lacks the mentality to essentially be switched on throughout the game.”

In reality, the Swede has started only 13 of the 29 Championship games this season, with his most recent appearance coming in a 1-0 FA Cup loss to Wrexham in February.

According to McKenna’s recent squad selections, Cajuste is not now among the first midfield names on the teamsheet as the season approaches its conclusion. With Ipswich just two points below the automatic promotion positions and a game in hand, it’s difficult to imagine the manager suddenly trusting him to start.

Ipswich Town are urged to consider paying Napoli £7.5 million for Jens Cajuste

Wilkin went on to tell FLW, “I believe that, combined with his injury difficulties, is why he is so undervalued. He was fantastic in the Premier League last year, but he hasn’t shown that he can convert down a league to the Championship.”

According to transfermarkt, Cajuste has not missed any full games of the 25/26 season due to injury, but the midfielder was forced out at half-time against Hull City in November.

McKenna’s side may prefer more dependable players at £7.5 million, especially considering Azor Matusiwa’s £7.8 million fee.Wilkin concluded, “I think it depends on how the market is.” “£7.5m in the current market feels like a reasonable price, but even so, I’m not sure if I was in charge of Ipswich Town transfers I’d be paying that £7.5m myself.”

In Wilkin’s case, it appears that Cajuste has been somewhat disappointing to witness in the second division following a successful initial term in the Premier League.

The fact that McKenna isn’t starting him shows that the head coach thinks similarly.