Ipswich Town have completed the signing of Dutch goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen from Belgian champions Union Saint-Gilloise on a four-year contract, continuing the club's busy summer rebuild ahead of its return to the Premier League. The 26-year-old has signed a deal through 2030 after Ipswich agreed to pay an initial €10 million (£8.5 million), with the package potentially rising to €13 million (£11 million) through performance-related add-ons. The transfer makes Scherpen the club's sixth signing of the summer transfer window. Standing at 2.06 metres (6ft 9in), Scherpen arrives following an impressive campaign with Union Saint-Gilloise, where he helped the Belgian club compete domestically and in Europe. His performances established him as one of the most sought-after goalkeepers outside Europe's top five leagues. The move also benefits Brighton & Hove Albion, where Scherpen spent three years after joining from Ajax in 2021. Brighton reportedly negotiated a 40% sell-on clause when they sold the goalkeeper to Union Saint-Gilloise in 2024, meaning the Premier League club will receive a sizeable share of the transfer fee. Scherpen's career has taken him through several of Europe's top competitions. A product of FC Emmen's academy, he earned a move to Ajax before signing for Brighton, although first-team opportunities proved limited in England. Loan spells at Belgian side Oostende and Austrian club Sturm Graz followed, with Scherpen playing a key role as Sturm Graz won back-to-back Austrian Bundesliga titles before his permanent switch to Union Saint-Gilloise. Ipswich view the Dutch international as an important addition following the club's promotion back to the Premier League after finishing second in the Championship last season. The goalkeeper is expected to challenge for the starting role as the Tractor Boys strengthen a squad that underwent significant changes during the summer. Ipswich will continue their pre-season schedule before opening the 2026-27 Premier League season at Portman Road against Sunderland on August 22, with Scherpen expected to feature during the remaining friendly fixtures as he adapts to his new teammates. Speaking after completing the move, Scherpen said he was excited by the opportunity to return to English football and help Ipswich establish themselves in the Premier League after their immediate promotion back to the top flight. League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 2nd in Championship, 84 pts, 23W-15D-8L from 46 games, recent form WDDWD.