Ipswich Town have completed the signing of Kjell Scherpen from FC Emmen for a reported £2.8 million, with the Dutch club retaining a €300,000 sell-on clause. The Championship side bolster their squad ahead of the new season.
What’s the transfer detail?
Scherpen’s move to Portman Road includes a €300,000 cut for his former club, FC Emmen, if he’s sold on later. The fee marks Ipswich among the early spenders of the summer, coming off a second-place finish in the 2025-26 Championship with 84 points from 46 games.
Why does Scherpen fit at Ipswich Town?
Standing at 6ft 5in, Scherpen brings extra height and command in goal, traits Kieran McKenna has sought since Ipswich’s promotion push. The 25-year-old has kept 23 clean sheets in his last 46 league games for Emmen, helping them concede just 47 goals across all competitions last season. His arrival bolsters a backline that shipped 47 goals in 46 league outings last term.
How does this move fit the squad rebuild?
Ipswich Town’s summer has already seen several arrivals as McKenna shapes a side ready for Premier League football. Scherpen’s deal follows the club’s second-place finish in the Championship, where they finished 11 points behind Coventry City. The new season hasn’t started yet, but the overhaul is clearly under way.
What’s next for both clubs?
Scherpen will now complete medicals and finalise personal terms before officially joining Ipswich Town. FC Emmen, meanwhile, will use their €300,000 windfall to strengthen their own squad as they target an Eredivisie return. For Ipswich, the focus shifts to pre-season friendlies and the upcoming Championship opener.
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.
