Ipswich Town are considering a move for Union Saint-Gilloise goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen as they strengthen their squad for a return to the Premier League.
The 6ft 8ins Dutchman is reportedly one of several options under consideration at Portman Road. According to Sky Sports, Ipswich want to bolster their goalkeeping department after already beginning their summer business with the club-record £24 million signing of Brazilian striker Emersonn.
Ipswich consider Kjell Scherpen transfer
Scherpen has emerged on Ipswich’s shortlist following an impressive season with Belgian champions Union Saint-Gilloise.
The 26-year-old kept 21 clean sheets in 43 appearances last season, strengthening his reputation after a career that has already taken him through the Netherlands, England, Belgium and Austria.
Ipswich have not yet been reported to have made a formal approach. The latest information only identifies Scherpen as one of the goalkeepers being considered ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
His profile is significantly different from another player linked with the club, Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope. At 26, Scherpen would represent a longer-term option, while Pope offers considerably more Premier League experience.
Scherpen has previous Premier League experience
Scherpen began his career with FC Emmen before joining Ajax, where he spent two years.
Brighton then brought him to England in a £4.2 million deal, but he made only one first-team appearance during three years with the club. Loan spells at Oostende, Vitesse and Sturm Graz followed before he joined Union Saint-Gilloise permanently last summer.
That career path means Scherpen is already familiar with English football, even though he was unable to establish himself in the Premier League during his time at Brighton.
His performances in Belgium now appear to have created another possible route back to England.
Ipswich assessing goalkeeper options
Ipswich’s interest in Scherpen suggests the club are exploring different profiles before deciding on their next goalkeeper.
The Dutchman offers height, recent title-winning experience and strong clean-sheet numbers. Pope, meanwhile, would provide an established Premier League presence and already has a connection to Ipswich after spending time in the club’s academy.
No deal for either goalkeeper has been confirmed, and it remains too early to know which option Ipswich will prioritise.
After breaking their transfer record to sign Emersonn, however, the club have already shown they are prepared to invest heavily in strengthening the squad.
Key Points
- Ipswich Town are considering a move for Kjell Scherpen.
- The 6ft 8ins goalkeeper kept 21 clean sheets in 43 games last season.
- Scherpen previously spent three years with Brighton.
- Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope has also been linked with Ipswich.
- No formal approach for Scherpen has yet been reported.
What’s next?
Ipswich must decide whether to progress their interest in Scherpen or pursue another goalkeeper on their shortlist.
The Dutchman’s performances for Union Saint-Gilloise have put him back on the Premier League radar, but the reported interest in Pope shows Ipswich are still assessing different options. A formal approach would provide the clearest indication that Scherpen has moved towards the top of their list.
Would Kjell Scherpen or Nick Pope be the better signing for Ipswich?
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