Journalist Laurie Whitwell claims that Manchester United has made “contact” in an effort to sign Feyenoord star Justin Bijlow to a contract with the Premier League.

Justin Bijlow is who?
Goalkeeper Bijlow, who currently plays for Arne Slot’s team, graduated from their academy and was promoted to the first team back in 2016. Since then, he has established himself as their starting goalkeeper.

Erik Ten Hag has taken notice of the Netherlands international’s performances despite the shot-stopper still having two years left on his home country’s contract. According to Dutch outlet 1908, the manager has a genuine interest in the player.

The 25-year-old, according to Voetbal International, would be open to joining, but his club is still trying to sign him to a new contract because they don’t want to sanction his sale at this time.

But it doesn’t appear that prevented an approach from being made at Old Trafford.

Man United is bringing in Bijlow?
Whitwell revealed on Twitter that Man United have asked about Bijlow in order to determine his availability for the 2023–24 season. He noted:

MUFC get in touch with Justin Bijlow, the Feyenoord goalkeeper. Although United is looking at options, including Andre Onana, the Dutch champions are very hesitant to sell. CF is still top-of-mind; the next signing will be determined by costs. Rasmus Hojlund’s Atlanta fee is thought to be too high.

Man United may lose David De Gea this summer because a new contract has not yet been reached. Should he leave, Ten Hag will obviously need a direct replacement, and Bijlow may be that person after being dubbed “brilliant” by ESPN correspondent Cecilia Lagos.

The World Cup participant, who earns £5k per week, made 25 appearances in the Eredivisie last season and amassed 12 clean sheets. He also ranked in the top 90 percent of goalkeepers for crosses stopped, demonstrating his willingness to come out of his net and claim the ball to clear the danger from his area.

The 6-foot-2 giant also outperformed De Gea in goal with a success rate of 75.3% from 77 shots on target against him, demonstrating how much of an improvement over the manager’s current first-choice he would be.

Finally, Ten Hag is already acquainted with Bijlow because he faced the goalkeeper while playing for Ajax in the Eredivisie. The manager could take advantage of this rapport to try to lure Bijlow to M16 in the coming weeks and months.