Southampton's move for Feyenoord goalkeeper Justin Bijlow has collapsed following complications with his medical.
The Netherlands international, who has missed 187 games for club and country in six years due to injury, was in Southampton to finalise the deal. But, after concerns from the Saints' medical team, he confirmed himself that the deal is now off via an Instagram post.
The 26-year-old wrote: "Dear Feyenoorders, I was on my way to the Premier League. After a very special day last Saturday, for which I am very grateful, I was preparing for my departure from Feyenoord. I didn't find that easy and it wasn't my first choice, but it had to be for the sake of my career.
"The medical examination has shown that Southampton has a very different vision than Feyenoord on how to treat an old injury. I'm fully fit and this doesn't bother me, but I respect the vision of Southampton medical staff.
"This is why I'm returning to Rotterdam, to my club Feyenoord. My bond with the city and the club is iron strong. I will keep fighting for a place in goal for Feyenoord and the Dutch national team.
"Feyenoorders, thank you for the support you always give me."
The reported deal would have been an initial season-long loan, with an obligation to buy if the goalkeeper made 20 appearances for the club.
-
What would Bijlow have brought to Southampton?
Justin Bijlow is the perfect example of a modern day goalkeeper. His distribution is simple, but effective - baiting the opposition into pressing him, before playing the ball through or around them.
This is something that would have fit Russell Martin's possession-based style and is also something the Saints have been missing, with Alex McCarthy, unfortunately, not able to play out from the back to the level his manager expects.
Bijlow is also pre-emptive in crossing situations, with the goalkeeper quick to sprint off his line and collect the incoming ball, taking the pressure off his defence with his brave approach.
Above all, he is an accomplished shot-stopper and is excellent in one-on-one situations, using his frame to close the angle down quickly against an on-rushing attacker.
The only real negative to his game, as highlighted again in his medical, is the goalkeeper's injury record.
Bijlow has missed 187 games for club and country over the past six years, perhaps suggesting the reasoning behind why the club wanted an appearance-based clause inserted into his contract.
-
What is next for Southampton?
With less than a week until the transfer window slams shut, Russell Martin had hinted during his press conference a week ago that Southampton may still be busy in the final few days - with the collapse of this deal only make the final three days more hectic.
A goalkeeper is still high up on the agenda, with Arsenal's Aaron Ramsdale a name consistently being thrown into the mix.
Although they would prefer a permanent move, the North London club are reportedly willing to let the 26-year-old go out on loan with an option to buy. This would likely be an obligation if the Saints avoid relegation.
Elsewhere, Sam Johnstone has handed in a transfer request at Crystal Palace as he wants first-team football, making him another option.
Other than a new number one, an attacking addition has been teased, although rather ambiguously, with the manager refusing to specify whether this is a winger, an attacking midfielder, or even a number nine.
Joao Mario is a named being linked with a move to the south coast, but they will face stiff competition for the Portuguese international if he is to leave Benfica this summer.
