Feyenoord goalkeeper Justin Bijlow says an issue in a medical examination saw his move to Southampton break down.
In a statement on social media, Bijlow said the Premier League side “have a different view to Feyenoord on how to treat an old injury”.
The 26-year-old added that he is “fully fit and not hampered by this” but that he respects the view of Southampton’s medical team.
Bijlow made only 24 appearances last season for Feyenoord amid two spells out with injuries. The Netherlands international has been on the bench for all four of his side’s games to begin the new season, with Timon Wellenreuther playing instead.
Bijlow has previously been the subject of interest from Manchester United and featured high on Arsenal’s list of potential candidates to replace Aaron Ramsdale should he leave this summer.
He has been at Feyenoord his entire career and was named in the Netherlands’ squad for Euro 2024.
Southampton have started Alex McCarthy in goal during their opening two Premier League matches, the 1-0 defeats by Newcastle United and then Nottingham Forest.
Having previously been the club’s No 1, McCarthy came back into the Southampton team last April when Gavin Bazunu sustained a ruptured Achilles tendon and the former England international helped the south-coast side secure promotion back to the Premier League via the play-offs, earning himself a new two-year contract over the summer. Bazunu is not expected to return until January or February.
McCarthy, 34, has played 149 times for Southampton since joining from Crystal Palace in 2016. Bazunu, meanwhile, signed for Southampton from Manchester City in a deal worth up to £15m in the summer of 2022.
Southampton have been approached for comment.
(Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
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