Ipswich Town are looking to sign a new goalkeeper this summer, ahead of a Premier League campaign in which their main aim will be to avoid relegation.
Having finished in 19th place, 16 points from safety during the 2024-25 season, Ipswich will know all too well the size of the task at hand, and it will be vital to get their summer recruitment right.
Current first-choice goalkeeper Christian Walton’s top flight experience is very limited, having only made seven Premier League appearances, and bringing in a replacement is on the agenda.
That search has led the Tractor Boys to Toulouse star Guillaume Restes and Newcastle United’s Nick Pope, and an approach has already been made for the Englishman.
However, an alternative option has now been identified.
Ipswich keen on signing Kjell Scherpen
According to a report from Sky Sports, Ipswich are now eyeing a move for Kjell Scherpen, currently of Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, as they remain keen on improving their options between the sticks.
Pope remains a target, but Scherpen is now under consideration, off the back of keeping 21 clean sheets in 43 appearances last season.
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Football FanCast’s Verdict |
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Credibility |
Ipswich are well-known to be keen on a new goalkeeper, having identified Restes and Pope as targets previously. The news about the interest in Scherpen also comes from Sky Sports, which makes it more trustworthy. |
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Finances |
It is unclear how much the Belgian side could demand for their goalkeeper. However, the Tractor Boys have displayed a willingness to splash the cash this summer, shelling out a reported £26.5m to sign Emersonn. |
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Insight |
The Dutchman kept 17 clean sheets in 32 league appearances last season, with his side going on to finish in second place. However, he has won two titles previously, lifting the Belgian Pro League in 2024-25 and the Eredivisie with Ajax in the 2020-21 season. |
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Impact |
The Royale Union Saint-Gilloise star could be brought in as a direct replacement for Walton, who Ipswich are clearly looking to replace. Should they get a deal over the line, they could shelve plans to sign Pope and Restes. |
Why Kjell Scherpen could be exactly what Ipswich need
Ahead of a return to the top flight, Ipswich could do with signing a goalkeeper who has tested himself at the highest level, and the 26-year-old made eight Champions League appearances last season, keeping two clean sheets.
At 6 foot 8, the former Ajax man is a towering presence, and he would be the tallest player in the Premier League, should he complete a move to Portman Road, ahead of Newcastle’s Dan Burn, who stands at 6 foot 7.
Moreover, the giant recorded a save percentage of 75% in the Belgian Pro League last season, which was the highest of any goalkeeper, and a better percentage than any player in the Premier League.
With all of that in mind, it is no surprise Ipswich have identified Scherpen as a target, and he could be exactly what they need between the sticks.
