Feyenoord shot-stopper Justin Bijlow urged to snub Manchester United interest
Justin Bijlow has been urged to stay at Feyenoord to further his development by Frans Hoek amidst interest from Manchester United.
The Red Devils have already held talks with the Rotterdam-based club regarding the Holland international. As things stand, the Old Trafford side are expected to sign two new goalkeepers after David de Gea’s departure. The Spaniard’s contract with the club expired at the end of last month.
While Man United are interested in Bijlow, Hoek, who was a goalkeeping coach at the club under Louis van Gaal, does not want to see him move. Speaking to Voetbal International (h/t Metro), he feels the 25-year-old needs to play regularly at the Eredivisie outfit before making a switch.
“Justin is still developing. In fact, he has not yet played a full season, mainly due to injuries. If you miss a lot of matches, you also have to stand still in your development. I understand Justin is impatient, but it would be good if he stays with Feyenoord and hopefully stays injury-free.”
Bijlow made his way through the youth ranks at Feyenoord before breaking into the first team in the 2018/19 season. Since then, the Holland national has grown from strength to strength.
However, while the shot-stopper has been the number one at the Eredivisie outfit, fitness issues have hampered his game time. The 25-year-old has consistently found himself on the sidelines at the Rotterdam-based club.
Even in the previous campaign, Bijlow missed a few matches. Arne Slot led his team to the league title. But the 25-year-old shot-stopper once again was unreliable for a period of time.
With the departure of De Gea, Erik ten Hag evidently needs a new number one. We have Tom Heaton, who featured in the friendly against Leeds United, and Dean Henderson in our ranks as of now.
Man United are closing in on a deal for Andre Onana of Inter Milan. Therefore, it remains to be seen whether we will move for another goalkeeper unless someone else departs.
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Hoek is right in his assessment of Bijlow. The 25-year-old needs to get over his fitness issues. The Holland national’s injuries are not an encouraging sign for the Red Devils, either. Will the Old Trafford side opt to sign him this summer? Only time will tell.
