Transfers that leave all parties satisfied are a rare occurrence in football. However, as Southampton inches closer to securing one of their key transfer targets, it appears that no one is standing in the way of this deal.
Earlier this week, reports emerged that Southampton had tabled a £10 million offer for Justin Bijlow, the talented goalkeeper from Feyenoord. This move follows Southampton’s disappointing return to the Premier League, where they suffered a loss in their opening match. Veteran goalkeeper Alex McCarthy was at the center of a mishap that handed Newcastle United the winning goal.
Should Bijlow make the switch to St Mary’s, it’s anticipated that he could be guarding Southampton’s goal by September 1st. The Dutch international isn’t just known for his shot-stopping abilities; he’s also an exceptional passer, a skill he honed under Feyenoord’s former coach, Arne Slot, who is now at Liverpool. Russell Martin, Southampton’s manager, favors a style of play that requires his goalkeepers to be adept with their feet, making Bijlow a perfect fit for the team’s possession-based approach.
Though Bijlow’s arrival won’t be in time for Southampton’s upcoming match against Nottingham Forest, an official announcement could be made before the game kicks off. According to Martijn Krabbendam, a Feyenoord expert, it would be surprising if the transfer isn’t finalized by the end of the week. The negotiations are reportedly straightforward, and Feyenoord may even agree to an initial loan with an obligation-to-buy clause included.
While Southampton is likely to seal the deal soon, Feyenoord has already begun searching for Bijlow’s replacement. Among the potential candidates is Nick Olij from Sparta Rotterdam, considered one of the best goalkeepers in the Dutch Eredivisie. Bijlow had also been linked with moves to Liverpool and Manchester United, but those clubs have since shifted their attention elsewhere.
In light of recent developments, Southampton manager Russell Martin has acknowledged the need for a new goalkeeper, especially after Mateusz Lis’s departure and Gavin Bazunu’s injury. Although he hasn’t confirmed Bijlow as the final choice, Martin emphasized that the club is actively working to strengthen their goalkeeping options.
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