Genoa Set To Beat Celtic To Signing Of Netherlands International
Celtic were eyeing Justin Bijlow but Genoa have swooped in.
Giuseppe Labellarte
Updated on 19 January 2026
Genoa are set to sign Feyenoord goalkeeper Justin Bijlow, with reports in Italy saying his medical is imminent.
The 27-year-old Netherlands international has been linked with other clubs in recent months, including Celtic, but Genoa have moved quickest.
How Genoa beat Celtic to the signing of Justin Bijlow
Bijlow is a Feyenoord academy product with over 150 senior appearances for the Dutch club, including playing in the 2022 Europa Conference League final.
In addition, the 27-year-old has won eight caps for the Netherlands and was in their squads for the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024.
However, a combination of little game time and a contract set to expire in summer meant Bijlow was always going to head elsewhere.
Iniziate le visite mediche per Justin Bijlow. @SkySport https://t.co/q43hzkudXv pic.twitter.com/88qqoNqtL9
— Gianluca Di Marzio (@DiMarzio) January 19, 2026
Celtic have been credited with monitoring Bijlow because of his contract situation amid Kasper Schmeichel’s struggles at Parkhead.
However, the Scottish champions were apparently only looking to move for him on a free transfer this summer.
This allowed Genoa to swoop in and strike a deal which will see Bijlow move immediately.
His experience could prove very useful to Genoa, who are battling for survival in Serie A.
However, Daniele De Rossi’s Genoa impact has been significant beyond the pitch.
Genoa also liked Bento, but it looks as though they won’t pursue the Al Nassr goalkeeper further.
Genoa strike deal for Justin Bijlow potentially worth €200,000
According to Fabrizio Romano, Genoa have signed Bijlow on a deal until June 2026, plus the option to extend until June 2029.
In addition, Feyenoord will reportedly receive €200,000 if Genoa stay in Serie A next season, along with a 10% sell-on clause.
Romano concluded by claiming Bijlow’s medical will take place on Tuesday.
🚨🔴🔵 Genoa sign Justin Bijlow from Feyenoord on deal until June 2026 plus option to extend until June 2029.
Feyenoord to receive €200k if Genoa stay in Serie A next season plus 10% sell-on clause.
Medical on Tuesday. pic.twitter.com/QABzLH0UGe
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 19, 2026
The risks for Genoa
The worry for Genoa regarding Bijlow is that his injury record in recent years has not been great.
Last year, he missed 24 games with a knee injury. The year before, he sat out 23 matches due to a calf injury and a fractured wrist .
He also suffered a fractured wrist in the 2022/23 season, which kept him out between early February and mid-April.
Since 2021, Bijlow has missed nearly 100 games for Feyenoord and the national team.
Giuseppe Labellarte
Giuseppe Labellarte is a sports journalist with over a decade of professional experience in the industry. His main professional expertise is in soccer. Prior to joining FootItalia, he worked for the likes of Sports Mole, TBR Football, the Chelsea Chronicle and numerous other sites, along with having bylines in the likes of the Nottingham Post. He holds degrees in Journalism and International Relations.
Our unbiased editorial policy
Despite ongoing collaborations with commercial affiliates, the details, information, and reviews we provide remain honest and unbiased. We keep this in check by implementing a stringent editorial policy.
Our policy implements strict editorial standards, ensuring the integrity and trustworthiness of our articles, news, and reviews. Only the highest-quality content reaches our pages. We achieve this through conducting thorough research on each topic, conveyed to you using unbiased reporting, to ensure we earn your trust and keep it.
