Ipswich Town have pulled off one of the most astonishing deals of the summer transfer window, officially completing the signing of goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen on a four-year contract from Belgian outfit Union Saint-Gilloise.
In doing so, the towering 26-year-old shot-stopper has etched his name into the history books by officially becoming the tallest player ever to grace the English Premier League. Standing at a jaw-dropping 6ft 9in (2.06 meters), Scherpen just about edges out former Chelsea keeper Lucas Bergstrom (2.05m) to claim the ultimate physical crown in English top-flight football.
Towering Above Premier League Legends
For years, fans have marveled at the giants of the English game, but Scherpen’s arrival completely redefines the scale. The previous joint-tallest record-holders—former Nottingham Forest keeper Carlos Miguel, ex-Manchester City and Sunderland star Costel Pantilimon, and Birmingham City cult hero Nikola Zigic—all stood at an imposing 6ft 8in.
Even iconic striker Peter Crouch, long celebrated as the ultimate footballing skyscraper, sits some way down the historical list at 6ft 7in. Scherpen also comfortably towers over contemporary physical standouts in the Premier League, such as Dan Burn and Illan Meslier (both 6ft 7in), Nick Woltemade (6ft 6in), and Manchester City goal machine Erling Haaland (6ft 5in).
A Proud Moment and a Vital Survival Boost
Speaking after putting pen to paper on his four-year deal at Portman Road, an elated Scherpen shared his excitement ahead of this massive career chapter:
“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’m really looking forward to making memories together. I’ve had great conversations and everything here has been really positive, so it’s made me very excited to join Ipswich Town.”
Manager Gary O’Neil was equally thrilled to secure the Dutch international’s signature, highlighting the immense value his experience across top European leagues will bring to the Tractor Boys’ survival bid:
“Kjell is a strong addition to our goalkeeping unit and we’re delighted to have him with us. He has experienced playing at the top level in different countries, as well as in European competitions, and is excited to now have the opportunity to test himself in the Premier League.”
A Well-Traveled Career Reaches the Premier League
Scherpen began his professional journey in his native Netherlands with FC Emmen before earning a high-profile move to Dutch giants Ajax in 2019. Though he previously had a stint in English football after signing for Brighton & Hove Albion in 2021, he never made a competitive Premier League appearance for the Seagulls, instead gaining valuable experience across loan spells with Oostende, Vitesse, and Sturm Graz before completing a permanent switch to Union Saint-Gilloise last summer.
Now, standing head and shoulders above the competition at Portman Road, Scherpen is fully prepared to make a massive impact as Ipswich Town fight tooth and nail to cement their status in the Premier League.
Do you think Kjell Scherpen will be the ultimate secret weapon in Ipswich Town’s battle for Premier League survival? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
