6 months ago
139 Liverpool now want to sign a player who came close to joining Manchester United in the summer of 2023.
The Reds have been linked with a number of Eredivisie players ever since it became apparent that Arne Slot would be replacing Jurgen Klopp.
Liverpool have been mentioned as a potential destination for PSV Eindhoven No.11 Johan Bakayoko.
Furthermore, there has also been talk of Slot’s utility man at Feyenoord – Lutsharel Geertruida – moving to Anfield.
Now – according to De Telegraaf – Liverpool are looking at another player from the Eredivisie…
Liverpool want Justin Bijlow
The Reds haven’t needed to sign a new goalkeeper for many years now, thanks to the superb performances of Caoimhin Kelleher as No.2 behind Alisson Becker.
However – according to Sportslens – the Republic of Ireland international may seek a move this summer to become No.1 elsewhere, with Celtic believing they have a good chance of signing him.
As such, Liverpool are monitoring Feyenoord No.1 Justin Bijlow.
De Telegraaf believe Manchester United strongly considered signing the Netherlands international last summer when he was available for €25m (£21m) – but decided to buy Andre Onana instead.
Now, the Dutch news outlet believe Liverpool are keen, and Feyenoord are willing to sell for less than the aforementioned £21m fee, as Bijlow will only have 12 months left on his contract next summer.
The 26-year-old glovesman impressed under Slot throughout the 2023/24 campaign, conceding just 23 goals in 24 appearances, while keeping nine clean sheets.
Reliability is key
Kelleher has an outstanding knack of being able to step in – at any time – and deliver dependable performances, so much so that many didn’t even notice Alisson’s absence at the start of 2024.
Even Sir Kenny Dalglish heaped praise on the Irishman’s maturity in between the sticks.
Therefore, if Liverpool do end up having to swap Kelleher for Bijlow, reliability will be key, although Slot is well placed to make that call.
Under the 45-year-old’s Dutchman’s guidance, Bijlow impressively kept 38 clean sheets in 93 appearances, conceding 89 goals.
That is a very strong record for a goalkeeper, so if Liverpool can negotiate a decent price for a backup goalkeeper – something in the region of £10m to £15m – this could prove to be a smart piece of business.
