Kjell Scherpen is looking for a temporary employer. The 21-year-old goalkeeper made his official debut for Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday in a 1-2 win over West Bromwich Albion in the FA Cup, but the chance of much more playing time is slim. The ex-keeper of FC Emmen and Ajax is the third goalkeeper behind Robert Sánchez and Jason Steele.
“When I came to this club I got injured in the first week and I was out for six weeks,” Scherpen said afterwards. “I’ve had to work hard and I’m happy to have been able to keep goalkeeping now, but the most important thing is that I can keep playing in the coming months.” Scherpen also wants to be rented out. “I’m looking for a chance to play somewhere. It’s best for me now to make as many minutes as possible.”
“Hopefully I can find something and come back in the summer with some games under my belt.” In the first months of this season, after his rehabilitation, Scherpen was either on the bench or not even in the match selection and made his minutes in the U23 team. On Saturday, Scherpen finally got the chance from manager Graham Potter.
The Brighton fans who had traveled along were finally able to sing their song for Scherpen, as was clearly audible from the stands: Kjell Scherpen whoh-ah-oh. Kjell Scherpen whoh-ah-oh. He’s got a tiny head. His feet stick out of the bed. The Dutchman was passed by Callum Robinson shortly after the break. Jakub Moder forced an extension and Neal Maupay became the match winner.
Scherpen discusses with the General Newspaper once again his ambitions for the near future. He again emphasizes his desire to work elsewhere on a rental basis. “Yes, we have expressed that we are open to that if it is a beautiful and good club. It must suit me. It is for half a year. I have to make minutes and be able to show myself. I am now third goalkeeper here “Minutes in the first will be difficult this season. A rental can help me get closer to that next season. I do feel that I can climb in the pecking order. I have also grown over the past six months,” said Scherpen, which is open to anything.
“I am open to everything. The Netherlands, Germany, the second level in England. For me it is all negotiable,” said the goalkeeper, whose contract in Brighton runs until mid-2024. “I don’t necessarily have to go back to the Eredivisie. If so, it is a bonus that you are closer to your family again. But that is not decisive for me. It is still quite quiet. We still have a few weeks. Maybe Saturday’s game will have some influence We’ll wait and see and then take a look at the options.”