Ipswich Town agree €10m deal for Union SG goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen

Ipswich Town have reached an agreement to sign Union Saint-Gilloise goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen in a deal worth a guaranteed €10 million, with a further €3 million available through performance-related bonuses.

According to Algemeen Dagblad, the Dutch goalkeeper is set to travel to England in the coming days to complete his medical before finalising a four-year contract at Portman Road.

After several weeks of negotiations, Ipswich have successfully agreed a deal with the Belgian champions for the 26-year-old.

Union Saint-Gilloise had initially been seeking a transfer fee of around €15 million, but the clubs have now settled on a package worth at least €10 million, rising to €13 million if bonus clauses are triggered.

Scherpen is now expected to complete the final formalities before officially becoming an Ipswich player.

The move marks Scherpen's return to the Premier League five years after joining Brighton & Hove Albion from Ajax.

The Dutch goalkeeper was unable to establish himself as Brighton's first-choice keeper but impressed during a loan spell with Austrian side Sturm Graz before earning a permanent move to Union Saint-Gilloise.

His performances in Belgium have now convinced Ipswich to bring him back to England as their new first-choice goalkeeper.

Scherpen enjoyed an excellent 2025-26 season with Union Saint-Gilloise.

The 26-year-old made 43 appearances, keeping 21 clean sheets while conceding just 38 goals across all competitions.

His consistent performances played a key role in Union's successful campaign and attracted interest from several clubs before Ipswich moved decisively to secure his signature.

Scherpen was notably absent from Union's pre-season friendly against Lille on Saturday, further indicating that the transfer was nearing completion.

Scherpen is expected to become Ipswich's first-choice goalkeeper immediately upon arrival.

The newly promoted Premier League side have already strengthened their goalkeeping department this summer by signing Kayne van Oevelen from FC Volendam, although that deal was viewed as a long-term investment.

The arrival of Scherpen gives Ipswich an experienced goalkeeper with previous Premier League experience as they prepare for life back in the top flight.

Kjell Scherpen is expected to travel to England shortly to undergo a medical before signing a four-year contract with Ipswich Town. Once the transfer is completed, the Dutch goalkeeper will immediately join the club's preparations for the new Premier League season.