Southampton lost their second game of the Premier League season on Saturday, as Nottingham Forest were 1-0 winners at St Mary’s.
That means that Russell Martin‘s side have now lost both of their first two games of the new campaign 1-0, having fallen to the same scoreline against Newcastle United on the opening day.
Against Forest, Southampton’s lack of creativity in the final third was highlighted to an alarming degree, where a week earlier it was Alex McCarthy’s weakness in possession that was exposed.
Both are problems that need addressing in the final days of the transfer window and it looks as though a solution to the goalkeeper problem has been found.
Southampton set to secure Alex McCarthy replacement in Justin Bijlow
McCarthy looked likely to leave the club in the summer for the bulk of last season as he was out in the cold under Martin and his contract was set to expire at the end of June.
However, injury to first-choice Gavin Bazunu in April saw the veteran goalkeeper deputise for what remained of the season and his performances in the successful play-off campaign saw McCarthy handed a new deal.
Concerns about his footwork remained, though, and with Bazunu out until 2025 with an Achilles injury it was assumed goalkeeper would be one of the first positions addressed this summer.
This was not the case, however, but McCarthy’s costly error against Newcastle seems to forced the issue with the Saints now set to complete a deal for Feyenoord goalkeeper Justin Bijlow.
That transfer is edging closer and Fabrizio Romano has now revealed the terms of the deal, posting on X: “More on Justin Bijlow exclusive story.
“Southampton and Feyenoord have agreed on loan deal with buy option clause to become mandatory under certain conditions.
“It will be based on Bijlow’s appearances.”
Terms of Southampton deal for Bijlow sensible given injury record
Whilst the fee associated with the obligation to buy Bijlow next summer subject to appearances is not known, it is expected to be in the region of £10 million.
That is not a bad price for a goalkeeper who has won the Eredivisie, is a regular in the Netherlands squad and still only 26.
The obligation to buy the ‘keeper should a certain number of appearances be made is a sensible one, as Bijlow has missed a remarkable 704 days through injury over the past six years.
The deal therefore takes away the risk that the Saints spend funds this summer that could be used to address other positions for a player who could miss large periods with injury.
Undeniably a huge upgrade on McCarthy with his distribution, Southampton will be desperate for Bijlow to stay fit this season as he could be crucial to the club’s chances of staying in the Premier League.
