Kjell Scherpen joins Vitesse Arnhem on loan

Netherlands international Kjell Scherpen has joined Vitesse Arnhem on a season loan.

Goalkeeping coach Ben Roberts said, “This is a great opportunity for Kjell to continue his development and play regularly.

“He was called up to the Dutch senior squad this summer, and this means he has the chance of regular game time ahead of this year’s World Cup.

“We wish Kjell well for the season ahead, and working with Gordon Greer and the loans department we will monitor his progress during the season.”

The 22-year-old, who is 6ft 8in tall, began his career in the Netherlands with second-tier club FC Emmen where he made over 30 senior appearances before joining Ajax in July 2019.

By then he had already made his first start for the Dutch under-21s, having also represented them at under-19 level, making his debut against an England team featuring Jadon Sancho and Phil Foden in September 2018.

He made four first-team appearances in the 2020/21 season for Ajax, including one in the Europa League.

Kjell, who joined the club last summer, made his Albion debut in January 2022, starting in Albion's FA Cup third round win at West Brom.

Later that month, he joined Belgian side Oostende on loan for the second half of the season, where he made six league appearances.

Following an injury to former Albion keeper Tim Krul, Scherpen was called up to the Netherlands senior squad in June 2022.