Union SG eyes surprise goalkeeper replacement as Scherpen courted

Union SG could see Dutch goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen depart for England as Ipswich Town make a concrete offer. The club’s promotional banner reads: "Foto: © photonews NIEUW Ontvang meldingen bij belangrijk nieuws! Schrijf je HIER in! Volg Voetbalkrant nu ook via Google!" Gaat Union SG het voor de zoveelste keer 'doen'? Als Kjell Scherpen naar Engeland zou verhuizen, dan staat er alweer een mogelijke nieuwe doelman klaar.

Ipswich Town, a Premier League‑promoted side, have reportedly put forward a bid of no less than eight million euros for Scherpen. The English club’s recent promotion has provided the funds to chase the Dutch international. The interest has become concrete, turning speculation into a formal approach.

Union SG acquired Scherpen last summer from Brighton & Hove Albion for two million euros, with Brighton set to receive a share of any future increase in value. The Belgian side now stands to make a sizable profit should the eight‑million‑euro offer materialise. This transaction reflects the financial dynamics of the English competition.

Transfermarkt lists Scherpen’s market value at eight million euros, making him a difficult player to retain. Consequently, Union SG must act quickly to find a replacement, as the timing of a potential departure is inconvenient for the club’s schedule.

The Brussels‑based club will contest the Belgian Supercup on 31 July, begin the league campaign on 8 August against Westerlo, and face Bodo/Glimt in early August during the Champions League League Phase. A possible fourth and final qualifying round also looms on the horizon.

Jonas Kersken has emerged as Union SG’s primary target to fill the void. The German keeper began his youth career at SG Unterrath, then moved to SF Baumberg, Rot‑Weiss Essen, and later Borussia Mönchengladbach, where he never broke into the A‑team. He was loaned to Meppen and Arminia Bielefeld before Bielefeld secured his services for roughly three hundred thousand euros.

According to Transfermarkt, Kersken’s current market value is about one million euros. Last season he was the undisputed number one for Bielefeld, missing only one match in the 2. Bundesliga and keeping seven clean sheets in 35 appearances, helping the club avoid relegation on the final matchday.

A first foreign adventure at Union SG now appears on Kersken’s horizon, fitting the club’s recruitment pattern of uncovering undervalued talent. The potential move could provide the Brussels side with a reliable goalkeeper as they navigate domestic and European challenges.