Ajax goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen might join Premier League side Brighton and Hove Albion in the summer, reports Dutch news outlet Algemeen Dagblad. According to the report, Ajax are negotiating a deal with the English side that would see the young goalkeeper join the Seagulls ahead of the 2021/22 season.
The 21-year-old goalkeeper is close to joining Eredivisie side PEC Zwolle on loan for the next season, and there are just some last details to iron out. However, it seems now that Brighton and Hove Albion are looking to pounce in at the last minute and bring the shot-stopper to the Amex stadium. This could be a very interesting twist to the transfer deal and it could see the loan move to PEC Zwolle collapse.
Brighton’s current goalkeeping department consists of Academy player Robert Sanchez, Jason Steele and Chris Walton. Sanchez has been the starting goalkeeper ever since Matthew Ryan left the club for Arsenal on loan and has done brilliantly for the Seagulls. As a result, it seems that Sanchez will continue his role as the first-choice keeper going into the next season. Brighton’s interest in Scherpen is most likely as a backup keeper and to provide some competition to Sanchez.
Scherpen, who has made 4 appearances for Ajax this season, seems to be liked by the Ajax management. It seems unlikely that they would allow Scherpen to leave the club on a permanent basis. However, with Ajax now bringing in experienced goalkeeper Remko Pasveer from Vitesse in July, Scherpen could be forced to look for options elsewhere for first-team action. Still only 21, Scherpen is under contract with Ajax till 2023.
This transfer saga will have an interesting end for certain, and it remains to see where Kjell Scherpen could end up as we enter into a new season. A talented goalkeeper, it is no doubt that he has a bright future ahead wherever he goes.
