Leeds United eye Scherpen as Ipswich make Dutch bid
Leeds United are plotting a move for Dutch goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen, but Ipswich Town have already made a bid and are in advanced talks, according to reports. The 26-year-old Union Saint-Gilloise shot-stopper is linked with a Premier League return as both clubs seek goalkeeping reinforcements.
Key Takeaways
- Leeds United want Scherpen as a possible new number one after losing Karl Darlow and Illan Meslier.
- Ipswich Town have made a bid for the Union SG keeper, with club talks ongoing and personal terms reportedly agreed in principle.
- Scherpen, 26, is under contract until 2028 after helping Union win the Belgian Cup last season.
- Reports say Scherpen prefers Ipswich, leaving Leeds with work to do if they push a concrete offer.
- Town are also close to signing another Dutch keeper, Kayne van Oevelen, as a longer-term option.
Why are Leeds United interested in Kjell Scherpen?
According to Yahoo Sports UK, Leeds United have identified Scherpen as a target from Royale Union Saint-Gilloise. The Elland Road side need reinforcements in goal after Karl Darlow joined Manchester United as a free agent and Illan Meslier signed for Arsenal.
Daniel Farke is also reported to have lost faith in Lucas Perri during last season, sharpening the need for a reliable starter. Scherpen spent two loan spells at Sturm Graz while at Brighton and once made Austrian Bundesliga history by becoming the first debutant goalkeeper not to concede in his first 412 minutes of league action.
He kept clean sheets in his opening four league games for Sturm Graz in 2023-24. At Union he has featured heavily in the Champions League, adding to his Premier League appeal for Leeds United.
How close is Ipswich to beating Leeds to the deal?
Ipswich appear further ahead. TWTD reports that, per AD.nl, Town have made a bid with discussions ongoing and an agreement expected. Other reporting says personal terms have been agreed in principle. The Argus cites Voetbal International on intensive talks over a multi-million-pound fee, with Scherpen understood to be closing on a move to the promoted Blues.
Yahoo Sports UK adds that Ipswich are also in the race and that Scherpen wants a move to Ipswich. That preference would force Leeds United to move quickly and convincingly if they hope to divert the deal.
Town have already been close to adding Dutch keeper Kayne van Oevelen from Volendam on five-year terms, though the 22-year-old is not viewed as first choice initially. Nick Pope talks have not progressed, leaving Scherpen as a more experienced option.
What is Scherpen's background before this Premier League chase?
Emmen-born Scherpen had four seasons at Brighton & Hove Albion after leaving Ajax, making one senior FA Cup appearance and never debuting in the Premier League. Loan spells followed at Oostende, Vitesse and Sturm Graz.
He joined Union SG — Brighton's sister club — permanently in July 2025 for £4.2 million. TWTD says he helped the side finish second in the Belgian Pro League and win the Belgian Cup. He is capped by the Netherlands at under-19 and under-21 level and remains contracted to Union until 2028; Brighton are reported due 40 per cent of any profit on the fee they received.
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