Ipswich Town Agree Deal for Towering Dutch Goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen as Gary O’Neil Nears Sixth Summer Signing

Ipswich Town are on the verge of completing another significant piece of business in the summer transfer window after agreeing a deal for towering Dutch goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen from Belgian champions Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.

The Premier League side have reached an agreement worth an initial €10 million (£8.5 million), with a further €3 million (£2.5 million) in performance-related add-ons. Scherpen is now expected to undergo his medical tomorrow before signing a four-year contract at Portman Road.

The move will make the 6ft 9in goalkeeper Gary O’Neil’s sixth signing of the summer, as the Ipswich boss continues reshaping his squad ahead of the new Premier League campaign.

Negotiations between Ipswich and Union Saint-Gilloise have accelerated in recent days, with reports from the Netherlands confirming that a transfer fee has now been agreed. Scherpen’s absence from the Belgian club’s recent pre-season friendly against Lille only added to speculation that a move to England was imminent.

With the medical expected to take place tomorrow, the transfer is now entering its final stages, and Ipswich are confident of completing the deal without any late complications.

Scherpen Set to Become Ipswich’s First-Choice Goalkeeper

The Dutch goalkeeper is expected to arrive as Ipswich Town’s new number one, particularly with Christian Walton currently sidelined through injury and facing a race against time to be fit for the opening fixtures of the Premier League season.

Gary O’Neil is keen to ensure his side have a reliable presence between the posts, and Scherpen’s experience and commanding physical presence make him an ideal addition.

Interestingly, Scherpen will become the second Dutch goalkeeper to join Ipswich this summer after Kayne van Oevelen completed a £3.4 million move to the club just last week.

However, Van Oevelen’s immediate future may lie away from Portman Road. Reports suggest the young goalkeeper could head out on loan to gain regular first-team football, with Middlesbrough, Wrexham, Millwall and Bolton Wanderers all believed to be monitoring his situation.

Outstanding Form in Belgium

Scherpen arrives in Suffolk after enjoying the finest season of his career with Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.

The giant goalkeeper made 43 appearances across all competitions during the 2025/26 campaign, keeping an impressive 21 clean sheets as he played a pivotal role in the Belgian side’s successful season.

His commanding presence, excellent reflexes and dominance in aerial situations have made him one of the most highly regarded goalkeepers outside Europe’s traditional top five leagues.

Return to English Football

Scherpen began his professional career at FC Emmen before earning a move to Dutch giants Ajax, where he spent two seasons developing his game.

His potential attracted Premier League interest, leading Brighton & Hove Albion to sign him for around £4.2 million in 2021. However, opportunities at the Amex Stadium proved limited, with Scherpen making just one senior appearance during his three-year spell while spending time on loan to continue his development.

A permanent move to Royale Union Saint-Gilloise allowed the goalkeeper to revive his career, and his outstanding performances in Belgium have now earned him another opportunity in English football.

With a medical scheduled for tomorrow and personal terms understood to be agreed, Ipswich Town are now just one step away from confirming the arrival of Kjell Scherpen.

If everything proceeds as planned, the Dutch goalkeeper will become Gary O’Neil’s sixth signing of the summer, adding further strength to an Ipswich squad determined to establish themselves in the Premier League this season.