Dutch goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen is set to make a high-profile move to the Premier League after agreeing to a transfer worth at least €10 million. The 26-year-old shot-stopper will leave Union Saint-Gilloise to join newly promoted Ipswich Town, pending a successful medical examination.
The deal includes a base transfer fee of €10 million, with the potential for an additional €3 million in performance-based bonuses. Scherpen’s departure marks the end of a successful stint in Belgium, where he established himself as one of the league’s most reliable goalkeepers.
Goalkeeping excellence in Belgium
During his time with Union Saint-Gilloise, Scherpen delivered standout performances, helping the club secure the Croky Cup and earning the prestigious Golden Glove award for recording the most clean sheets in the league. His consistency between the posts caught the attention of multiple European clubs, including those in Italy, Germany, and England.
Scherpen’s journey to Belgium began in the summer of 2025, when he joined Union Saint-Gilloise on a permanent deal for around €2 million after loan spells at KV Oostende, Vitesse Arnhem, and Sturm Graz. Prior to that, he was acquired by Brighton & Hove Albion from Ajax in 2021 for €5 million, though his time in England did not immediately lead to first-team opportunities.
Premier League return and competition at Ipswich
Now, Scherpen is poised to return to England’s top flight, where he will compete for the starting goalkeeper position at Ipswich Town. The club has also strengthened its squad with the signing of Kayne van Oevelen, who arrives from FC Volendam. Both goalkeepers will vie for playing time alongside established first-choice Christian Walton, who was Ipswich’s undisputed number one last season.
With 43 appearances under his belt for Union Saint-Gilloise—including an impressive 21 clean sheets—Scherpen leaves Belgium as a proven performer. His move to the Premier League represents a significant step forward in his career, offering a fresh challenge in one of football’s most competitive leagues.
