Feyenoord have offered Justin Bijlow a new and improved contract after the goalkeeper admitted ‘contact’ with Premier League giants Manchester United.
The first thing to mention is that the signing of Andre Onana from Inter Milan last week does not necessarily bring an end to Manchester United’s pursuit of a goalkeeper who helped bring about Feyenoord’s first Eredivisie title since 2017 last season.
Onana replaces David de Gea as United’s number one. But with Dean Henderson expected to join Nottingham Forest – and with Luton Town targeting Tom Heaton – a ‘number two’ may also be required.
And this is where Justin Bijlow comes in.
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Manchester United have held Justin Bijlow talks
“There was just contact (with United),” the Netherlands international tells FR12.
“Manchester United have not made an offer to Feyenoord. But what I say (is that) I don’t want to talk about it out of respect for Feyenoord.”
“I want to achieve the highest achievable in my career. When that is, we will see for ourselves. Another year at Feyenoord, that’s never bad.”
Bijlow may stay put
That last line, in particular, will be music to the ears of the Dutch champions. Feyenoord, according to Rotterdam-based publication 1908, have today offered Bijlow a new and (most importantly) improved contract.
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Discussions between club and player have so far not gone to plan. But, 1908 add, there is a renewed sense of optimism, following their latest contract offer, that Bijlow will still be standing between the sticks for Arne Slot’s side as Feyenoord look to defend their title in 2023/24.
Bijlow, meanwhile, is valued at around £20 million. With United looking to bring in both Rasmus Hojlund and Sofyan Amrabat on a rather restricted budget, such a fee would likely have been prohibitive for a back-up goalkeeper anyway, the likes of Zion Suzuki and Altay Bayindir far more affordable by comparison at a rumoured £5 million (Daily Mail).