Ipswich Town has announced the signing of goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen on a permanent deal from Belgian side Union SG. The move was heavily anticipated earlier this week, with Ipswich being close to securing the services of the 26-year-old, who had an impressive 2025-26 campaign in the Belgian Pro League.
There were also reports that Wolverhampton Wanderers were interested in Scherpen back in January before their relegation from the Premier League. In his previous season at USG, Scherpen kept 16 clean sheets in 32 league matches and saved one of six penalties faced, showcasing his reliability between the posts.
Scherpen has extensive experience playing in the first divisions of the Netherlands, Austria, and Belgium, as well as featuring in the Champions League during the past two seasons. He will join Ipswich on a four-year contract, committing him to the East Anglian club until 2030.
In an interview with Ipswich Town's in-house media, Scherpen expressed his excitement about joining the Tractor Boys: 'This is a very proud moment for me. This is a great opportunity for me to show my qualities and test myself in the best league in the world, so I am really looking forward to making memories together.'
The signing of Scherpen marks Ipswich's sixth addition to their squad this summer transfer window and the second goalkeeper after Alex Palmer and Christian Walton. With Kayne van Oevelen also joining from FC Volendam, two Dutchmen will compete for the first-choice spot in goal. Scherpen is currently favored to start the 2026-27 campaign due to his more varied football CV and experience, but pre-season performances could influence this decision.
