Southampton goalkeeper transfer 'collapses' over medical issue

The 26-year-old has been the first-choice stopper for his hometown club for the past three seasons, winning the Eredivisie with the Pride of the South during the 2022-23 term.

Bijlow kept six clean sheets in 17 top-flight starts last campaign for Feyenoord, who were beaten by PSV Eindhoven to the Dutch crown this time around.

Since graduating from the Rotterdam-based club's academy in 2016, the keeper has made 143 appearances across all competitions for the Dutch giants.

Representing the Netherlands on eight occasions following his senior debut in 2020, Bijlow also possesses relative international pedigree.

Southampton's Bijlow deal collapses?

According to the Daily Mail, Southampton will need to go back to the drawing board as they look to recruit a goalkeeper before the end of the summer transfer window.

The report states that Feyenoord and the Saints had agreed on the transfer of Bijlow from Rotterdam to St Mary's Stadium ahead of Friday's deadline.

However, it is believed that an issue popped up in the Dutchman's medical, meaning that he will no longer be moving to the riches of the Premier League.

The 26-year-old has released a statement on social media, saying that Southampton 'have a different view to Feyenoord on how to treat an old injury', whilst also claiming that he is 'fully fit and not hampered' by the issue.

Regardless of the 'keeper's complaints online, the Saints are set to switch their attentions to other transfer targets before the shutting of the window.

Southampton's goalkeeping situation

With first-choice stopper Gavin Bazunu sidelined until late October due to an Achilles tendon injury, Southampton have been forced to rely on veteran Alex McCarthy during the opening stages of their Premier League return.

A poor piece of distribution from the 34-year-old helped Newcastle United to score the only goal of the top-flight contest at St James' Park on August 17.

Even with a fully-fit Bazunu, it is understood that Russell Martin's side would be looking to add to their goalkeeping union on the South Coast.

Following a failed move for Bijlow, the Saints could supposedly make a late swoop for Arsenal's Aaron Ramsdale, who is also wanted by Ajax.