Ipswich sign TALLEST player in Premier League history as 6ft 9in giant competes transfer to boost survival dream

IPSWICH TOWN have signed the tallest player in Prem history after sealing a deal for 6ft 9in keeper Kjell Scherpen. The towering shot-stopper, 26, has joined the Tractor Boys on a four-year deal from Belgian outfit Union Saint-Gilloise. Ipswich Town have signed keeper Kjell Scherpen, who is the tallest player in Prem history Credit: MatchDay Images Limited Scherpen just about edges former Chelsea keeper Lucas Bergstrom Credit: Getty It’s a big move for Scherpen – quite literally – as he’s become the tallest star the English top flight has ever seen. At 2.06 metres, he just about edges ex-Chelsea keeper Lucas Bergstrom (2.05m). Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! The biggest players in Premier League history previously were ex-Forest keeper Carlos Miguel, former Man City and Sunderland star Costel Pantilimon and Nikola Zigic – all 6ft 8in. Even Peter Crouch is someway down the list at 6ft 7in, despite being thought of as one of the tallest to grace the top flight. And Scherpen stands well clear of the current tallest stars too, including Illan Meslier and Dan Burn – both 6ft 7in – Nick Woltemade (6ft 6in) and Erling Haaland (6ft 5in). Speaking after sealing his move to Portman Road, he said: “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. Most read in Sport BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK Scherpen is a towering figure at 6ft 9in Credit: Getty TALLEST PLAYERS IN PREM HISTORY Kjell Scherpen – 2.06m (6ft 9in) Lucas Bergstrom – 2.05m (6ft 9in) Carlos Miguel – 2.04m (6ft 8in) Costel Pantilimon – 2.03m (6ft 8in) Nikola Zigic – 2.02m (6ft 8in) Stefan Maierhofer – 2.02m (6ft 8in) Illan Meslier – 2.01m (6ft 7in) Lucca Lorenzo – 2.01m (6ft 7in) Peter Crouch – 2.01m (6ft 7in) Dan Burn – 2.01m (6ft 7in) “I’m looking forward to meeting my teammates and can’t wait to meet the fans and get started.” His new manager Gary O’Neil added: “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. “We’re looking forward to him joining up with the rest of the squad and begin to prepare for the season with us.” Scherpen started his career in Holland with FC Emmen before moving to Ajax in 2019. He previously played for an English club after signing for Brighton in 2021, but never played in the top flight for the Seagulls. Brighton loaned him out for four seasons to Oostende, Vitesse, and Sturm Graz twice before selling him to Saint-Gilloise last summer. Comment now