Despite a proposed move to Southampton collapsing in August, the was not really a hint of bitterness from a man who came oh-so close to getting his Premier League chance at last.
After holding talks with Manchester United in 2023 and after Liverpool shifted their focus to Giorgi Mamardashvili, Justin Bijlow looked destined to seal a belated switch to England’s top flight last month.
Southampton had entered advanced discussions over a potential £10 million deal, HITC understands. The Saints backed out at the last minute, however, due to an issue picked up during Bijlow’s medical.
Now, the man himself was in no mood to air his grievances in public.
Bijlow, having missed over 150 games for club and country since 2018, insisted that he had ‘respect’ for the decision made by Southampton’s bosses.
But those in charge of Eredivisie giants Feyenoord have not been quite so quick to forgive Southampton after a transfer saga that left a sour taste in the mouths of many at De Kuip.
Southampton rebuffed Feyenoord goalkeeper Justin Bijlow
Technical director Dennis te Kloese – while pleased to retain his homegrown shot-stopper – felt it was hardly a ‘coincidence’ that Southampton appeared to have Aaron Ramsdale lined up almost immediately after walking away from the Bijlow deal.
Feyenoord head coach Brian Priske shares Te Kloese’s stance, feeling that The Saints could have gone about things a little differently.
“For Justin, I was disappointed. I don’t think he was treated well by Southampton in the process,” Priske tells FR12 during Friday’s pre-match press conference. “It wasn’t right what happened.
“Of course we welcomed him back with open arms. He is a Feyenoord player and an important part of our team. Nothing changes in that respect. It is up to Justin to compete.”
Bijlow, Rotterdam-born and Feyenoord-raised, was part of the team which claimed the 2023 Eredivisie title under now-Liverpool boss Arne Slot.
The Dutch international lost his starting berth to Timon Wellenreuther recently, however.
Bijlow bid an emotional, tear-stained farewell to his beloved Feyenoord fanbase last month too when that proposed move to St Mary’s had entered the final stages, and the continuation of his relationship with the Kuip faithful kept the goalkeeper smiling even through one of the more difficult periods of his career.
Saints landed Arsenal ace Aaron Ramsdale instead
“Dear Feyenoorders, I was on my way to the Premier League,” Bijlow explained via his official Instagram account. “After a very special day last Sunday, for which I am very grateful, I was preparing for departure from Feyenoord.
“I didn’t find that easy and it wasn’t my first choice, but it had to be for the sake of my career.
The medical examination has shown that Southampton has a different vision than Feyenoord on how to treat an old injury. I’m fully fit and this doesn’t bother me, but I respect the vision of Southampton medical staff.
“This is why I return to Rotterdam, to my club Feyenoord.”
Southampton would quickly conclude a £25 million deal for Arsenal back-up Aaron Ramsdale before the deadline on August 30th.
Ramsdale was beaten three times on his debut under Russell Martin against Brentford next time out. A win and a clean sheet against Manchester United, however, would be some way to kick-starting the 2024/25 both for him and his new employers.
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