The EADT and Ipswich Star understand that the Blues will pay a €4m (around £3.4m) transfer fee, with the 22-year-old completing his medical yesterday and signing a five-year deal before joining up with the rest of the squad at their pre-season training camp in La Manga.
Van Oevelen came through the ranks at Amsterdamsche FC, eventually joining Volendam’s youth set-up in 2021. He progressed to the first team three years later, eventually becoming their first-choice shot-stopper.
The Zaandam-born ‘keeper made 32 appearances in the Eredivisie last season, keeping three clean sheets as the ‘Palingboeren’ were returned to the second division, losing to Willem II in the promotion / play-offs.
Standing at 6ft 6ins, he boasted the highest save percentage (74.5%) and the most saves per 90 (4.70) in the Dutch top flight last season. Valencia and FC Twente are also believed to have been interested in signing him this summer.
“As soon as I knew Ipswich were interested, it was a move I knew I wanted to make,” Van Oevelen said.
The 22-year-old has signed a five-year deal with the Blues (Image: Maarten Rabelink (Fanatix.nl))
“I’m excited to be here and continue my career in England and learn from everyone at a big club like Ipswich. It’s an exciting time for the club, being back in the Premier League, and I’m really looking forward to meeting everyone and getting started.”
Town boss Gary O’Neil, added: “We’re pleased to be able to add Kayne to our goalkeeping unit.
“He is a young goalkeeper who has had a good taste of senior football with Volendam and wants to continue to progress his career in England. He joins a good goalkeeping group at the club and will strengthen us in that area of the pitch.”
Van Oevelen becomes the second Dutchman in Ipswich’s squad, following Azor Matusiwa, and the club’s second new signing of the summer following Emersonn (£26m from Toulouse).
The Blues remain in talks with Union SG over a deal for former Netherlands Under-21 international goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen.