Robin van Persie has chosen Justin Bijlow as Feyenoord’s first goalkeeper for the upcoming season instead of Timon Wellenreuther. The German goalkeeper often played last season due to injuries to Bijlow.
“It was a luxury choice that was difficult, perhaps more difficult than choosing from three left backs,” Van Persie said Tuesday to VI. “Wellenreuther was disappointed, but I don’t want him to leave. I still think he’s a good goalkeeper.”
The 27-year-old Bijlow has experienced many injuries at Feyenoord, for which he debuted in August 2017. Since then, the eight-time Orange international has missed more than a hundred matches for the Rotterdam club due to injuries.
Bijlow started last season as Feyenoord’s second goalkeeper. He saw a transfer to Southampton fall through because he did not pass the medical examination. Shortly before the winter break, he got another chance at Feyenoord, but he was injured again afterwards.
Wellenreuther was then allowed to play another long series of matches. The 29-year-old goalkeeper played 29 matches for Feyenoord last season. Wellenreuther is under contract in De Kuip until mid-2027. Bijlow’s contract expires next summer.
There is a chance that Wellenreuther will look for a new club. Since his arrival in 2022, the goalkeeper has played a total of 82 matches for Feyenoord. He won the national title (2023), the KNVB Cup (2024) and the Johan Cruijff Shield (2024) with the club.