Premier League-bound: Kjell Scherpen joins Ipswich Town in €10M deal

Dutch goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen is set to make a high-profile switch to England’s Premier League, with Ipswich Town finalizing his transfer from Union Saint-Gilloise for a reported fee of at least €10 million. The 26-year-old shot-stopper, who has impressed in Belgium, could see the deal rise by an additional €3 million through performance-based bonuses.

The move marks a significant career milestone for Scherpen, who had previously struggled to establish himself in England despite a €5 million move from Ajax to Brighton & Hove Albion in 2021. After multiple loan spells—including stints at KV Oostende, Vitesse, and Sturm Graz—he joined Union Saint-Gilloise in the summer of 2025 for around €2 million, signing a contract until mid-2028.

His time in Belgium proved highly successful, as he helped the club secure the Croky Cup and earned the distinction of being the league’s top goalkeeper in terms of clean sheets. These achievements caught the attention of several European clubs, with interest reported from teams in Italy, Germany, and now England.

Scherpen’s transfer to Ipswich Town follows the club’s promotion to the Premier League and their strategy to bolster their squad with quality talent. The Dutch goalkeeper will compete for the starting position alongside established names like Christian Walton, who was Ipswich’s first-choice goalkeeper last season.

Additionally, Ipswich has reinforced their ranks with defender Kayne van Oevelen, who arrived from FC Volendam. The competition for places promises to be fierce, with Scherpen needing to impress during pre-season and pass a final medical before officially signing a four-year deal.

The deal underscores Ipswich’s ambition as a newly promoted side aiming to make an impact in English football’s top flight, while Scherpen looks to revive his career in a more competitive environment.