Brighton and Hove Albion goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen has revealed the plan was for him to play in the Championship this season before he ended up back in the Netherlands.
The 22-year-old is spending the season on loan at Vitesse in the Eredivisie, electing to join them earlier this month in search of regular playing time.
He’s been with Brighton since a £4.5m move from Ajax in July last year but is yet to establish himself under Graham Potter or challenge Robert Sanchez for the number one spot.
He instead spent the second half of last season on loan at KV Oostende to get playing time and has headed out again this year with Vitesse.
He’ll be number one with the Dutch club this season, a big plus point for the youngster with the World Cup in Qatar on the horizon.
And he admits that is in his viewfinder, even though the initial plan was for him to remain in England.
“Initially the plan was to go to a club in the Championship,” said Scherpen in conversation with De Gelderlander, relayed by FC Update.
“Those options were also there earlier this summer, but at that time I was not allowed to leave Brighton. Then I got a very good feeling at Vitesse.
“Of course, I have smelled something. I will first have to play well at Vitesse and I’m assuming a European Championship. I definitely want to be there. If more happens, then that’s more than welcome.
“I have completely changed, as a goalkeeper and as a person. I have developed in all areas. The Premier League is of course also a nice level.
“I was used to that at Ajax, but football in England is different. More direct. That suits me. I felt at home there as well. But then you have to play every week. Hopefully, I can do that here.”
