Feyenoord goalkeeper Justin Bijlow has expressed openness to a potential transfer to either Arsenal or Liverpool, describing both as “very nice clubs.”
Arsenal has identified Bijlow, 26, as a potential replacement for backup goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale. However, Liverpool may attempt to hijack Arsenal’s pursuit, given that incoming Reds manager Arne Slot has managed Bijlow for the past three seasons and maintains a strong working relationship with the Dutchman. Slot could leverage this connection to bring Bijlow to Anfield, where he would serve as a backup to Alisson.
Currently, Bijlow is preparing for the European Championship with the Netherlands. In an interview with Voetbalzone, he addressed the speculation about his future. “Will I stay at Feyenoord? You never know, do you? That’s football, you never know that,” Bijlow explained. “I’m ambitious, I’ve always said that. If the opportunity presents itself and a good club comes from abroad, I am open to it.”
When specifically asked about Arsenal and Liverpool, Bijlow responded: “Those are two very nice clubs. Of course, it is always nice to be mentioned at big clubs. As I said, I’m ambitious. As long as I play for Feyenoord I will give everything for that and first I just want to focus on the Dutch team.”
Bijlow, a Feyenoord academy graduate, is known for his ball-playing skills and dominance in one-on-one situations. Qualities that would benefit both Arsenal and Liverpool. These clubs prefer goalkeepers who contribute to build-up play and manage high defensive lines. Which often leave them vulnerable to counter-attacks and big chances.
However, Bijlow’s availability for Euro 2024 might be in question due to a 10-week injury layoff that caused him to miss the March international double-header. During his absence, Brentford’s Mark Flekken and Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen featured instead. Over the last two seasons, Bijlow has missed a total of 41 games due to injury.
The Netherlands, managed by Ronald Koeman, will begin their Euro 2024 campaign against Poland in Hamburg on Sunday, June 16, followed by matches against fellow Group D opponents France and Austria.
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