Southampton have set a prime example of how to capitalize on the departure of star players like Virgil van Dijk, Luke Shaw, Sadio Mane, and Adam Lallana, all of whom fetched significant transfer fees. Despite relegation from the Premier League in 2023, Southampton managed to raise around £150 million from the sales of Romeo Lavia, Tino Livramento, James Ward-Prowse, Nathan Tella, and Mohammed Salisu.
Former Dutch international Wim Kieft argues that Feyenoord should have adopted a similar approach. While Feyenoord has indeed made considerable sums from the sales of key players such as Luis Sinisterra, Mats Wieffer, Orkun Kokcu, and Manchester United left-back Tyrell Malacia, Kieft believes the club has mishandled the situation with goalkeeper Justin Bijlow.
Southampton want Feyenoord ace Justin Bijlow
The Rotterdam-born Bijlow, a hometown hero, has allowed his contract to run down and now has less than two years remaining. Southampton might be able to acquire the Netherlands goalkeeper for about half of the fee Manchester United were quoted for him in discussions a year ago.
Martijn Krabbendam reports for Voetbal International that Feyenoord might be open to letting Bijlow go on loan, potentially with a purchase option included in the contract.
Kieft is astonished that Feyenoord has let the situation deteriorate to this point. He emphasizes Bijlow’s significance as a Feyenoord icon, a key Oranje player, and a talented goalkeeper who has consistently performed well and holds substantial value.
Kieft also criticizes new Feyenoord manager Brian Priske for dropping Bijlow to the bench in favor of Timon Wellenreuther, which he believes has further diminished Bijlow’s value. Despite these concerns, Kieft’s fear of Bijlow being sold for as little as £2 million seems unfounded, as Southampton is reportedly prepared to offer significantly more.
Russell Martin wants another goalkeeper
“Given that new coach Brian Priske plans to bench Bijlow, Feyenoord could be happy with just two or three million euros for him,” Kieft complains. “Right now, his value is almost nothing—pure capital destruction.”
Southampton manager Russell Martin has confirmed his intent to sign a new goalkeeper. Veteran Alex McCarthy was involved in a crucial error that allowed Joelinton to score the winner for Newcastle United in the opening weekend. With Gavin Bazunu injured and Mateusz Lis having moved to Turkish side Goztepe, Southampton is short on goalkeepers.
Martin has also mentioned interest in Arsenal backup Aaron Ramsdale. “It’s beneficial for us to bring in a goalkeeper since Gavin Bazunu is injured. We currently have Joe Lumley and Alex McCarthy as our senior options,” Martin tells the Daily Echo. Bijlow is considered well-suited to Martin’s possession-based style.
“The goalkeeper you mentioned (Bijlow) is one of many we have been monitoring. We’ll discuss further once things are closer to being finalized. I’m not sure who it will be yet, but we definitely need reinforcements in that position.”
GET MORE NEWS HERE
Leave a Reply