Russell Martin will be hoping for a busy few days at Southampton as he hopes to improve his side’s chances of Premier League survival with more additions.
It has been a disappointing start to the campaign for Southampton, who have lost both of their first two matches of the new season 1-0.
The first defeat to Newcastle United was a frustrating one as Russell Martin‘s side struggled to unlock a ten-man Newcastle defence.
Saturday’s defeat by the same scoreline in the first home game of the season against Nottingham Forest caused far greater concern, though, as Southampton managed just one shot on target against a likely relegation rival.
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There is clearly work to be done to get the Saints firing in the Premier League, but it is the other end of the pitch that Martin looks set to address with a move for a goalkeeper edging closer.
Southampton closing in on Justin Bijlow signing
One of the first positions Southampton were expected to address this summer was goalkeeper.
With first-choice Gavin Bazunu out until 2025 with an Achilles injury and Mateusz Lis now sold to sister club Goztepe, that leaves just Alex McCarthy and Joe Lumley as options in goal for Martin.
McCarthy’s shortfalls with the ball at his feet are no secret and were only highlighted with his misplaced pass in his own box leading to the only goal of the game in the opening day defeat at Newcastle.
Southampton have been pushing to resolve this issue and that saw them turn their attentions to Feyenoord goalkeeper Justin Bijlow.
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That deal now looks very close to being completed, with Dutch outlet De Telegraaf reporting that a move should be completed ‘within 24 hours’.
The report claims that the Netherlands international visited Southampton’s training ground on Sunday before completing his medical on Monday, with Martin said to be ‘delighted’ at the goalkeeper’s imminent signing.
Bijlow could be handed Southampton debut against Brentford
Martin’s style of play dictates that Southampton’s goalkeeper is a crucial player in how the side build up in their possession-based approach.
Whilst the Saints have bravely continued to do this in the Premier League so far, it is difficult with McCarthy in goal given he is not the best with his feet.
Therefore, the signing of Bijlow will be an incredibly welcome one and will represent a significant improvement with the ball on McCarthy.
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Should the Bijlow deal be completed as expected then it would come as no surprise to see the Feyenoord stopper thrown straight into action away at Brentford on Saturday with Martin having no time to waste on getting Southampton’s first points on the board.