Goalkeeper competition checked: 1 August 2026
Ipswich have signed Kjell Scherpen from Royale Union Saint-Gilloise on a four-year contract.
The 2.06m goalkeeper arrives after making 43 appearances in all competitions last season and playing Champions League football across consecutive campaigns.
His arrival creates a genuine FPL problem: Ipswich now have several goalkeepers competing for the opening Premier League start.
The main contenders
| Goalkeeper | Profile | Main strength | Main uncertainty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kjell Scherpen | Experienced European-level signing | Size, aerial reach and recent first-team football | New club and no confirmed No 1 status |
| Kayne van Oevelen | Young permanent summer signing | Long-term upside and distribution | Premier League experience |
| Alex Palmer | Existing senior goalkeeper | English football experience and club familiarity | New signings threaten his place |
| Other squad options | Development or depth roles | Training competition | Unlikely without evidence |
Use the OneFPL Player Lab to confirm which goalkeepers are available in the official game and their current prices.
Why the No 1 decision matters
A promoted goalkeeper can provide value through saves, big-chance saves, bonus, penalty saves and selected clean sheets.
The 2026/27 Bonus Points System gives goalkeepers greater recognition for big-chance saves.
That makes a secure promoted goalkeeper interesting even when clean sheets are limited.
A cheap goalkeeper who loses his place creates an immediate transfer problem.
Kjell Scherpen
Scherpen is the most experienced of the new candidates.
Ipswich signed him from Union Saint-Gilloise, where he made 43 appearances in 2025/26 and helped the club win the Belgian Cup.
His previous clubs include Ajax, Brighton, Vitesse, Sturm Graz and Union Saint-Gilloise.
FPL strengths
- Recent first-choice experience
- Exceptional height and reach
- Aerial authority
- Potential save volume
- Four-year contract
- Strong likelihood of competing immediately
FPL concerns
- New defensive system
- Promoted-club clean-sheet risk
- Competition
- Distribution requirements under Gary O'Neil
- Early matches against Manchester United and Liverpool
Current verdict: Favourite to become the most relevant option, but not confirmed.
Kayne van Oevelen
Van Oevelen joined from FC Volendam on a long-term deal.
He represents a major investment in the future and cannot be treated as an irrelevant reserve.
The key questions are whether he is ready for Premier League starts, whether Scherpen was signed above him and which goalkeeper starts the final friendly.
Current verdict: Strong development signing, but needs clear first-team evidence.
Alex Palmer
Palmer provides senior experience and familiarity with English football.
That can matter during a promoted club's transition.
The summer recruitment reduces confidence in his position, especially under a new manager.
Current verdict: Cannot be ruled out, but no longer safe.
Pre-season evidence to track
| Signal | What it means |
|---|---|
| Starts with first-choice defenders | Strong No 1 evidence |
| Completes 75-90 minutes | Stronger than split friendly minutes |
| Starts the final friendly | Most important clue |
| Takes goal kicks consistently | Trust in distribution |
| Manager calls him first choice | Strong confirmation |
| Another goalkeeper plays only cup-style lineup | Possible reserve status |
Follow OneFPL Team News before the deadline.
Ipswich's opening fixtures
| Gameweek | Opponent | Venue | Goalkeeper appeal |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sunderland | Home | Best opening clean-sheet opportunity |
| 2 | Manchester United | Away | Save potential, low clean-sheet expectation |
| 3 | Liverpool | Home | High save volume possible |
| 4 | Crystal Palace | Away | Moderate |
| 5 | Everton | Away | Moderate |
| 6 | Fulham | Home | More favourable |
A secure Ipswich goalkeeper can still earn points in difficult matches through saves.
Does Scherpen improve the defence?
A goalkeeper can improve cross collection, set-piece defence, communication, one-on-one saves and confidence.
Ipswich have also added Issa Diop and retained defenders such as Leif Davis, Dara O'Shea, Jacob Greaves and Cedric Kipre.
The value of the goalkeeper depends on the complete unit settling.
Goalkeeper versus Ipswich defender
| Option | Main points route | Main risk |
|---|---|---|
| Ipswich goalkeeper | Saves, big-chance saves and clean sheets | No confirmed starter |
| Leif Davis | Assists, crosses and clean sheets | More defensive work |
| Centre-back | Defensive contributions and set pieces | Clean-sheet dependence |
| £4.0m defender | Budget flexibility | Minutes security |
Use OneFPL Compare once prices and starts are clear.
Should managers select two Ipswich goalkeepers?
No.
That uses two squad slots from one club, provides no fixture diversification and creates risk when the hierarchy changes.
Select the confirmed No 1 alongside a goalkeeper from another club.
OneFPL verdict
Do not lock an Ipswich goalkeeper yet.
Scherpen has the strongest experience and appears the most likely FPL candidate, but the competition is real.
The correct decision should be made after the final friendly, Gary O'Neil's press conference, official prices and any late goalkeeper departure.
Use the OneFPL Planner to keep a placeholder rather than committing early.
FAQ
Who is Ipswich's first-choice goalkeeper?
It is not confirmed at the time of this update.
Is Scherpen likely to start?
He is a leading candidate because of his experience and contract, but the final pre-season lineup is required.
How tall is Scherpen?
The Premier League lists him at 2.06m, approximately 6ft 9in.
Are promoted goalkeepers good FPL picks?
They can be because of save volume, but only when their place and price are secure.
Should I select two Ipswich goalkeepers?
No.
Sources
OneFPL is an independent Fantasy Premier League companion and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to the Premier League or Fantasy Premier League.
OneFPL analysis. OneFPL is an independent Fantasy Premier League companion and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to the Premier League or Fantasy Premier League.
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