Kjell Scherpen is the tallest player in the Premier League in 2026/27 at 6ft 9in

Ipswich Town goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen stands 2.06 metres (6ft 9in), making him the tallest player in the Premier League for 2026/27. He leads a group that includes Arsenal's Illan Meslier and Newcastle's Dan Burn, both 2.01m (6ft 7in), plus several players at 1.98m (6ft 6in).

  • Tallest player: Kjell Scherpen (Ipswich Town) – 2.06m (6ft 9in)
  • Joint second: Illan Meslier (Arsenal) and Dan Burn (Newcastle United) – 2.01m (6ft 7in)
  • 1.98m group: James Trafford, Kristoffer Ajer, Jair Cunha, Lukáš Hornícek and Nick Woltemade
  • Positions: The list is dominated by goalkeepers and defenders, with one forward included
  • Data source: Based on 2026/27 squad information as of 15 September 2026

The full list of tallest Premier League players in 2026/27

Kjell Scherpen, Ipswich Town: 2.06m (6ft 9in)

At 2.06 metres, Ipswich Town goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen is the tallest player in the Premier League this season. His arrival at Portman Road places him alongside the tallest players in the competition’s history. His height gives him a considerable natural reach and makes him an imposing presence when defending crosses, corners and high balls into the penalty area. Modern goalkeeping demands much more than size, however. Scherpen must combine that physical advantage with sharp footwork, quick decision-making and the ability to participate in Ipswich’s build-up play. His performances will determine whether he is remembered simply as a Premier League giant or as one of the division’s most effective goalkeepers.

Illan Meslier, Arsenal: 2.01m (6ft 7in)

Illan Meslier remains one of the tallest goalkeepers in English football at 2.01 metres. The Frenchman has accumulated significant Premier League experience despite spending much of his career as a relatively young goalkeeper. His long frame provides excellent coverage across the goal and allows him to reach shots that might be beyond a smaller goalkeeper. Height can occasionally make it more difficult for a goalkeeper to get down quickly, but Meslier’s athleticism has always been an important part of his game. His presence in Arsenal’s 2026/27 squad gives the club a goalkeeper with a very different physical profile to its other options.

Dan Burn, Newcastle United: 2.01m (6ft 7in)

Dan Burn stands level with Meslier at 2.01 metres, making him one of the tallest outfield players in Premier League history. What distinguishes Burn is his ability to operate both centrally and on the left side of defence. Players of his height are often viewed primarily as traditional centre-backs, but Burn has shown that exceptional size does not prevent a defender from fulfilling wider tactical responsibilities. His height remains especially valuable during set pieces. Defensively, he provides a powerful first contact against corners and free kicks. At the other end, he offers Newcastle an obvious target when the ball is delivered into the opposition penalty area.

The 1.98m group

Immediately below the leading trio is a sizeable group of players listed at approximately 1.98 metres, or 6ft 6in. This group includes goalkeepers, central defenders and forwards, showing that extreme height is no longer confined to one specialist position.

James Trafford, Leeds United

James Trafford is one of the tallest goalkeepers in the division at approximately 1.98 metres. His stature gives Leeds a strong aerial presence inside the penalty area, but his appeal also comes from his distribution and comfort with the ball. That combination reflects the changing expectations placed on elite goalkeepers. Being able to dominate crosses is valuable, but being able to start attacks is now just as important.

Kristoffer Ajer, Brentford

Kristoffer Ajer brings considerable height to Brentford’s defensive unit. At around 1.98 metres, the Norwegian is naturally effective in aerial situations. He is also more mobile and technically comfortable than the stereotype of an exceptionally tall centre-back might suggest. His ability to carry the ball forward and cover space gives Brentford tactical flexibility alongside his obvious set-piece value.

Jair Cunha, Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest defender Jair Cunha is another member of the Premier League’s 1.98-metre contingent. His physical profile makes him well suited to central defence, particularly in a league where teams must deal with direct passes, powerful forwards and increasingly sophisticated set-piece routines. Height alone does not guarantee dominance, but it provides a useful platform when combined with timing, positioning and strength.

Lukáš Hornícek, Newcastle United

Newcastle goalkeeper Lukáš Hornícek also measures approximately 1.98 metres. His presence gives Newcastle another exceptionally tall player alongside Dan Burn. For a goalkeeper, that reach can be particularly useful when dealing with deliveries into a crowded penalty area, although agility, handling and positioning ultimately determine whether the advantage is converted into consistent performances.

Nick Woltemade, Newcastle United

Nick Woltemade offers a different kind of height. The German forward is listed at approximately 1.98 metres, making him one of the tallest attacking players in the competition. Tall forwards are often expected to operate primarily as target players, but Woltemade’s game is not defined solely by aerial duels. His technical ability and movement allow him to connect attacks, receive the ball in deeper positions and create opportunities for teammates. That combination makes him a particularly interesting example of the modern tall attacker. Size remains useful, but it is most dangerous when paired with coordination and technical quality.

Why height still matters in the modern Premier League

Premier League football has become faster and more technically demanding, but height remains a valuable attribute. Set pieces are one of the clearest examples. Taller defenders can protect the most dangerous areas of the penalty box, while taller attackers force opponents to assign their strongest aerial markers. Even when they do not make first contact, their presence can disrupt defensive structures and create space for teammates.

Goalkeepers gain an obvious reach advantage, particularly against crosses and shots directed towards the upper corners. However, modern tactical systems also expose tall players to challenges that cannot be solved through size alone. Defenders must be able to turn quickly, defend large spaces and cope with smaller attackers in one-on-one situations. Goalkeepers must be comfortable receiving passes under pressure. Forwards must contribute through movement, pressing and combination play rather than waiting for high deliveries. The most successful tall players are therefore not simply aerial specialists. They use their height as one component of a much broader skill set.

Who is the tallest Premier League player in 2026/27?

Kjell Scherpen is the tallest player in the Premier League in the 2026/27 season at 2.06 metres, or 6ft 9in. He stands five centimetres above Illan Meslier and Dan Burn, who are both listed at 2.01 metres. Behind them is a strong group at approximately 1.98 metres, including James Trafford, Kristoffer Ajer, Jair Cunha, Lukáš Hornícek and Nick Woltemade. The list is dominated by goalkeepers and defenders, but Woltemade’s inclusion demonstrates that exceptional height can also be incorporated into a more technical attacking role.

Final thoughts

The tallest players in the 2026/27 Premier League illustrate how the role of height has evolved. Physical stature remains valuable, especially when defending crosses and attacking set pieces, but it is no longer enough on its own. Scherpen may lead the rankings, but the wider group includes ball-playing goalkeepers, mobile centre-backs and technically gifted forwards. In the modern Premier League, the biggest advantage comes not from height alone, but from knowing how to use it.

Talking points

  • Is Kjell Scherpen’s 6ft 9in frame a genuine advantage for Ipswich, or will his lack of mobility expose him against quick Premier League attacks?
  • Dan Burn at left-back for Newcastle defies the traditional view that a 6ft 7in defender must play centrally – is he a blueprint for others?
  • Nick Woltemade’s technical ability at 1.98m raises the question: should every tall forward be expected to link play, not just win headers?
  • With five of the eight named players being goalkeepers or centre-backs, does the Premier League’s height trend still favour defensive positions?

What happens next

All eyes will be on how these giants perform in the opening weeks of the 2026/27 season. Ipswich’s set-piece defending and Arsenal’s use of Meslier will be under particular scrutiny, while Newcastle’s tall trio of Burn, Hornícek and Woltemade gives them a unique aerial profile. The next round of fixtures will show whether height translates into points.

Frequently asked questions

Who is the tallest player in the Premier League in 2026/27?

Kjell Scherpen of Ipswich Town is the tallest player at 2.06 metres (6ft 9in).

How tall is Dan Burn compared to other Premier League players?

Dan Burn stands 2.01 metres (6ft 7in), level with Illan Meslier and behind only Kjell Scherpen.

Which clubs have the most tall players?

Newcastle United have three players listed at 1.98 metres or above: Dan Burn, Lukáš Hornícek and Nick Woltemade. Ipswich, Arsenal, Leeds, Brentford and Nottingham Forest each have one.

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