Ipswich Sign Scherpen After Standout Season in Belgium
Ipswich Town have strengthened their goalkeeping options by signing Kjell Scherpen from Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise. The Dutchman has agreed a four-year contract and arrives with Premier League and Champions League experience.
The 26-year-old becomes Gary O'Neil's sixth summer signing as Ipswich prepare for their return to the Premier League. British reports put the initial transfer fee at £8.5m, with the deal potentially rising to £11m through add-ons.
A proven performer in Belgium
Scherpen enjoyed an impressive 2025-26 campaign with Union Saint-Gilloise. He made 43 appearances across all competitions and kept 21 clean sheets as the Belgian club finished second in the league and won the Belgian Cup.
His league numbers underline his consistency between the posts. Scherpen kept 16 clean sheets in 32 Belgian Pro League appearances, the highest total in the division. He also recorded a 74.68% save percentage, the best figure among goalkeepers who played at least 20 league matches. Union conceded only 20 goals across those 32 appearances.
European and English experience
Scherpen's move to Ipswich gives O'Neil a goalkeeper who has already played at several levels of European football. He featured in the Champions League group stage during each of the last two seasons, gaining experience against elite opposition.
The 6ft 9in goalkeeper also knows English football after spending four years on Brighton's books between 2021 and 2025. His only senior appearance for the club came in an FA Cup win over West Bromwich Albion in January 2022.
Most of his Brighton spell was spent on loan, including periods with Belgian side Oostende and Dutch club Vitesse Arnhem. He later joined Austrian club Sturm Graz, helping them win consecutive Austrian Bundesliga titles.
Scherpen then moved permanently to Union Saint-Gilloise in 2025. His form in Belgium has now earned him another Premier League opportunity. His career began at hometown club FC Emmen before Ajax signed him in 2019. He represented the Netherlands at under-19 and under-21 level, earning a senior call-up in 2022. Scherpen has gained experience internationally.
Competition at Portman Road
Scherpen joins an Ipswich squad that has already added another Dutch goalkeeper this summer. Kayne van Oevelen arrived from Volendam and started in Saturday's 0-0 friendly draw against FC Cartagena. The arrival of Scherpen could therefore create competition for the starting position before Ipswich begin their Premier League campaign. His size also makes him a notable addition, with the 6ft 9in goalkeeper potentially becoming the tallest player to appear in Premier League history.
Scherpen said the move gives him an opportunity to test himself in what he considers the world's best league. He added that positive conversations with the club made him excited about beginning the new chapter. O'Neil praised the goalkeeper's experience in different countries and European competitions. The Ipswich manager also believes Scherpen can strengthen the club's goalkeeping unit.
What's next for Scherpen?
Scherpen will now join his new teammates as Ipswich complete preparations for the 2026-27 Premier League season. The Tractor Boys are scheduled to begin their campaign against Sunderland at Portman Road.
The Dutch goalkeeper will hope his strong season in Belgium earns him the starting role. His 21 clean sheets, European experience and previous time in England give O'Neil an experienced option for Ipswich's Premier League return.