Premier League club signs the tallest 'giant' in the history of the league

Ipswich Town made headlines with the acquisition of goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen, who measures 2.06 m and leads the rankings of the tallest players in Premier League history.

Ipswich Town officially confirmed the completion of the signing of goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen from Royale Union Saint-Gilloise. The Dutch player put pen to paper on a four-year contract, lasting until the summer of 2030, becoming one of the notable new additions for the Portman Road side ahead of the 2026/27 season.

The factor that immediately drew special attention to Scherpen is his height of 2.06 m. According to statistics published on the official website of the Premier League, the new Ipswich recruit tops the list of the tallest players ever to be under contract with a club in the competition, ahead of Lucas Bergstrom (2.05 m), Carlos Miguel (2.04 m), and Costel Pantilimon (2.03 m).

Since both are converted to 6 feet 9 inches, the Premier League lists Scherpen and Bergstrom as joint tallest players in the league's history. However, based on the exact measurement in meters, the Dutch goalkeeper is still one centimeter taller than the runner-up.

Scherpen shared after completing the formalities of joining Ipswich: “This is a moment that makes me very proud. I have a great opportunity to showcase my abilities and test myself in the best league in the world. I look forward to creating memorable moments with the team.”

The 26-year-old goalkeeper also said that the positive discussions with Ipswich quickly convinced him of the club's project. Manager Gary O'Neil rated Scherpen as a quality addition to the goal frame, especially thanks to his experience playing in multiple countries and top European competitions.

Behind his superior physique, Scherpen also arrives at Portman Road with impressive professional form. In the 2025/26 season, he played 43 matches in all competitions for Union Saint-Gilloise, keeping 21 clean sheets, contributing to the team's Belgian Cup victory and being voted the Goalkeeper of the Year.

Specifically in the Belgian top flight, Scherpen kept 16 clean sheets in 32 appearances, the best record in the league. He conceded only 20 goals and achieved a save rate of nearly 75%, becoming the anchor of one of the most solid defenses in the competition.

Scherpen came through the youth system at FC Emmen before joining Ajax in 2019. He moved to Brighton in 2021 but did not get any playing time in the Premier League, and was subsequently loaned to Oostende, Vitesse, and Sturm Graz to gain experience.

Two seasons at Sturm Graz saw Scherpen win two consecutive Austrian league titles and have the opportunity to play in the Champions League. In the summer of 2025, he moved to Union Saint-Gilloise, quickly establishing himself as the number one before being brought back to English football by Ipswich.

Scherpen's presence not only provides Ipswich with a big edge in aerial duels. With experience in the Champions League along with his consistent performances in Belgium, the Dutch 'giant' is expected to become a crucial pillar in Portman Road's goal of staying in the Premier League.