The Premier League is set to welcome a new goalkeeper as Kjell Scherpen finalizes his move from Union Saint-Gilloise to Ipswich Town for a reported fee of at least €10 million. The 26-year-old Dutch shot-stopper could see an additional €3 million added through performance-based bonuses, making it one of the most lucrative transfers of the current transfer window.
Scherpen’s departure marks the end of a highly successful spell in Belgium, where he lifted the Croky Cup and claimed the prestigious Gant d’Or award for the league’s best goalkeeper, recording an impressive 21 clean sheets across 43 appearances. His consistency behind the sticks did not go unnoticed, with top European clubs monitoring his progress for months.
His journey to this point has been anything but straightforward. Initially signed by Brighton & Hove Albion from Ajax in the summer of 2021 for €5 million, Scherpen’s early years in England were defined by loan spells at KV Ostende, Vitesse Arnhem, and Sturm Graz. It wasn’t until the summer of 2025 that he secured a permanent move to Belgium, joining Union Saint-Gilloise on a two-year contract worth around €2 million. His performances there have now paved the way for a high-profile return to the Premier League.
Before the ink dries on the transfer, Scherpen must still undergo a mandatory medical examination. Once cleared, he is expected to sign a four-year deal with Ipswich Town, joining a competitive squad that includes established goalkeeper Christian Walton, who was the club’s first-choice last season. The arrival of Kayne van Oevelen from FC Volendam further underscores Ipswich’s ambition to strengthen their ranks for the upcoming campaign.
The Dutchman’s transfer reflects a growing trend of top-tier goalkeepers making high-value moves from European leagues to the Premier League, highlighting the competition’s global appeal and financial muscle.
