Liverpool transfers: Feyenoord goalkeeper Justin Bijlow 'open' to move

Feyenoord goalkeeper Justin Bijlow admits he is keen on a reunion with Arne Slot at Liverpool amid reports of interest from Merseyside. However, the Reds will face competition from Arsenal for the Dutchman's signature. 

Liverpool’s interest in the 26-year-old predates Slot’s appointment as head coach, according to reports in the Netherlands, and club staff have scouted the Dutch international on numerous occasions over the course of the past season. 

Bijlow played four times in the Champions League last season - against Lazio twice, Atletico Madrid and Celtic - and is reported to have been watched by Liverpool AND Arsenal scouts.

The Gunners are in the market for a No.2 goalkeeper to challenge first-choice David Raya, with it expected that Aaron Ramsdale will leave the club this summer.

And with both sides linked, the Netherlands’ Euro 2024 nominee feels ready for a move to the Premier League. 

Bijlow 'open' to Liverpool and Arsenal

“Would I stay at Feyenoord? You never know, do you? That’s football. You don’t know that,” he told Voetbalzone.

“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.  

“As long as I am under contract with Feyenoord, that is never a punishment and I will give everything as long as I play there.

“Those [Liverpool and Arsenal] are two very nice clubs. Of course it is always nice to be mentioned at big clubs. 

“What I’m just saying: 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 becoming Dutch No.1

Bijlow was also on the list of candidates to replace David de Gea for Manchester United last summer but Feyenoord managed to stave off Erik ten Hag’s interest in their No.1. 

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta’s assistant is the former Feyenoord player Albert Stuivenberg and it is believed that he is the one who has recommended Bijlow for the Arsenal spot. 

Bijlow, a homegrown Feyenoord player, has established himself as Ronald Koeman’s first pick in The Netherlands’ lineup but he missed the March internationals with injury.

The shot-stopper only managed 17 Eredivisie appearances due to a wrist fracture and a calf injury. He was only among the substitutes as Slot’s side beat NEC for the KNVB Beker (Dutch cup) recently. 

However he is expected to be No.1 for the Oranje at Euro 2024.

United were quoted €25 million for the goalkeeper last year but De Telegraaf reports the fee could well be lower this time around. 

He is under contract until 2026, having made his first-team debut back in 2017, and could be picked up for a bargain fee.