Ipswich are looking for another Nick Pope who will become the Premier League’s tallest player
Ipswich Town are looking to sign a new goalkeeper this summer, ahead of a Premier League campaign where their main aim will be to avoid relegation.
Having finished in 19th place, 16 points from safety for the 2024-25 season, Ipswich will be well aware of the size of the task at hand, and it will be important to get their summer recruitment right.
The experience of current first-choice goalkeeper Christian Walton is very limited, having played only seven Premier League games, and bringing in another is in the works.
That search has led the Tractor Boys to Toulouse star Guillaume Restes and Newcastle United’s Nick Pope, and a move has already been made for the England international.
However, another way has now been identified.
Ipswich are keen to sign Kjell Scherpen
According to a report by Sky Sports, Ipswich are now looking to sign Kjell Scherpen, who is currently working for Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, as they are determined to improve between the sticks.
Pope remains under the radar, but Scherpen is being considered, after keeping 21 clean sheets in 43 games last season.
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Football FanCast verdict |
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Honesty |
Ipswich are known to be keen on a new goalkeeper, having previously identified Restes and Pope as targets. The news about Scherpen’s interest also comes from Sky Sports, which makes it more credible. |
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Finance |
It is not clear how much the Belgian team would want for their goalkeeper. However, the Bulls have shown a willingness to spend this summer, shelling out a reported £26.5m to sign Emerson. |
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Understanding |
The Holland player ended up scoring 17 points in 32 league games last season, as his team ended up in second place. However, he has won two titles before, 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, with Ipswich apparently looking to replace him. If they do get a deal over the line, they could shut down plans to sign Pope and Restes. |
Why Kjell Scherpen could be just what Ipswich need
Ahead of a return to the top flight, Ipswich could do with signing a top-flight goalkeeper, with the 26-year-old making eight appearances in the Champions League last season, keeping two clean sheets.
At 6 foot 8, the former Ajax man is a towering player, and could become the tallest player in the Premier League if he completes his move to Portman Road, ahead of Newcastle’s Dan Burn, who stands at 6 foot 7.
In addition, the giant recorded a 75% save percentage in the Belgian Pro League last season, which was the highest of any goalkeeper, and the best percentage of any player in the Premier League.
With that in mind, it’s no surprise that Ipswich have identified Scherpen as a target, and he could be exactly what they need between the sticks.
