Liverpool has already made an offer for the £48,000-per-week chap who is a huge Slot fan.
Liverpool has apparently redirected its attention to providing the new manager with a familiar face this summer, having already scouted a player with experience under the Dutchman, in anticipation of a new era beginning under Arne Slot. News about Liverpool transfers Michael Edwards wants to return in style and give Slot the best possible start to his time at Anfield, so the Reds might have a busy summer ahead of them. Johan Bakayoko and Aurelien Tchouameni are two players who Liverpool has already been linked to in two transactions that would surely make headlines. One of the summer’s best deals would be Tchouameni in particular, but it’s unclear if Anfield’s efforts will be enough to entice the Frenchman to Merseyside.
It will be extremely difficult to replace Jurgen Klopp’s legendary tenure no matter who takes over, but Liverpool can aid Slot by bringing in some familiar faces through the transfer window. Justin Bijlow, the current Feyenoord shot-stopper, and former captain Orkun Kokcu have both been linked to the club. Liverpool reportedly made the first move this season when Slot’s Feyenoord team faced up against Celtic, Lazio, and Atletico Madrid in the Champions League by scouting Bijlow, according to the Telegraaf in the Netherlands. They’re not the only ones interested, though, as it’s been rumored that Arsenal is also considering a move to sign the goalkeeper this summer.
Liverpool will be hoping that Slot’s connections pay off there, particularly if Caoimhin Kelleher pushes for a departure, as rumors suggest he will want to do. The Irishman has been Alisson Becker’s outstanding deputy, but it’s rumored that he’s now looking for a bigger role somewhere. Given that Bijlow, who is 26 years old, lauded Slot for bringing a “totally different concept” to Rotterdam and notably mentioned his improved professionalism and mentality when trailing in games, it appears that the Reds will have an advantage over other suitors.
Signing Bijlow as the first slot would be a sensible move. Bijlow’s entrance would make sense for Liverpool in a transaction that is apparently valued less than €25 million (£21 million) this summer, especially considering his additional £48k weekly income that would help with their wage expenditure. Even if the Dutchman’s influence wouldn’t be seen every week, having a familiar face who is familiar with the new manager’s methods would make the transition easier.
Additionally, the goalkeeper himself would recognize some familiar faces, having shared the field with both Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo at the international level for the Netherlands. Furthermore, his statistics indicate he’s not just a friendly face, but excels at playing out from the back. What’s particularly promising is Bijlow’s passing accuracy, which is crucial in emulating Alisson’s style at Liverpool. This makes the Dutchman a prime candidate to step in as the number two should Kelleher leave this summer.