Kjell Scherpen is set to become Ipswich Town's latest Premier League recruit after agreeing a move from Union Saint-Gilloise. The 26-year-old Dutch goalkeeper will complete a transfer worth an initial €10 million, with an additional €3 million available through performance-based bonuses. Scherpen will sign a four-year contract with the newly promoted English club, pending completion of his medical examination.
The towering shot-stopper, standing 2.06 metres tall, enjoyed a standout season in the Belgian Pro League with Union. His performances earned him the Golden Glove award for the most clean sheets, while he also helped the club lift the Croky Cup. During 43 appearances for Union, Scherpen recorded an impressive 21 clean sheets—a striking statistic that caught the attention of Premier League scouts across Europe.
Journey Back to England
Scherpen's path to Ipswich represents a return to English football after previous experience proved disappointing. Brighton & Hove Albion signed him from Ajax in the summer of 2021 for €5 million, but he failed to establish himself at the Amex Stadium. Following loan spells at KV Oostende, Vitesse, and Sturm Graz, the goalkeeper secured a permanent move to Union in summer 2025 for approximately €2 million, signing a contract through mid-2028.
Interest from Scherpen intensified in late May when transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported serious attention from clubs across Italy, Germany, and England. Ipswich's management moved swiftly to secure the goalkeeper ahead of their Premier League campaign following automatic promotion from the Championship.
Competition and Squad Building
At Ipswich, Scherpen will compete with Christian Walton, the 30-year-old who served as the primary goalkeeper last season. The club has also recruited Kayne van Oevelen from FC Volendam as part of their reinforcement strategy. As a newly promoted side preparing for the Premier League's demanding schedule, Ipswich are investing in quality across multiple positions to ensure their top-flight sustainability.
Scherpen's arrival adds significant experience and proven shot-stopping ability to a squad aiming to compete in England's top division this coming season.
