Dutch goalkeeper Justin Bijlow has completed a move to Serie A side Genoa, bringing an end to a 20-year association with Feyenoord.

The 27-year-old joins the Italian club for a reported €2 million, a fee that could rise to €2.2 million if Genoa avoid relegation. Il Grifone currently sit 17th in Serie A, three points clear of the drop zone. With his contract in Rotterdam set to expire this summer and his role reduced to that of a reserve, Feyenoord allowed Bijlow to depart.

Bijlow entered Feyenoord’s academy in 2006 and made his senior debut a decade later. Across an injury-plagued career, the eight-time Netherlands international made 152 appearances in all competitions for the club. According to Transfermarkt, he has missed 174 matches for club and country since 2018 due to 21 separate injuries.

Those fitness issues also derailed a potential move to Southampton last summer, after a knee injury prevented him from passing a medical.

Emotional farewell

In a farewell message published on Feyenoord’s official website, Bijlow admitted leaving the club was difficult.

“I’m not telling anyone a secret when I say that it’s hard for me to leave the club, especially in the current situation, which is close to my heart,” he said, as Feyenoord endure a difficult run of form that has seen them lose eight of their last 11 matches. “But I, and many others, have seen the club climb out of deeper holes.”

He paid tribute to the supporters, adding: “Partly thanks to you, the fantastic Legion whose unconditional support I have always felt and for whom I have always given my all. Feyenoord is my club, my family and my home. Wherever I go, that will never change.”

During his time at Feyenoord, Bijlow won two Eredivisie titles, two KNVB Cups and three Johan Cruyff Shields. He also expressed his desire to return to the club in the future.

“I had the privilege of playing in front of the stands where I once stood as a young supporter myself,” he said. “Playing in my ‘own’ stadium was a dream, and in De Kuip—and beyond—I was able to fulfil so many more dreams with Feyenoord. I look back on that with enormous pride and a big smile.

“I will miss everything and everyone at Feyenoord immensely. Never out of sight and certainly never out of mind. See you soon, without a doubt.”