Feyenoord's CEO Dennis te Kloese has raised eyebrows over Southampton's reasoning for pulling out of a deal for goalkeeper Justin Bijlow, suggesting the Saints had an alternative plan in place.
The Dutch club's fans had bid an emotional farewell to Bijlow before his anticipated switch to St Mary's, only for the keeper to later disclose that the transfer to the Premier League outfit fell through due to a failed medical.
In a swift response, Southampton secured the services of Aaron Ramsdale from Arsenal for £25million. The former Gunners' number one penned a four-year contract with an option of an additional year, as the Saints acted decisively before the transfer window slammed shut.
This quickfire deal has sparked suspicion at Feyenoord, with Te Kloese openly questioning the turn of events.
"It is quite a coincidence that a club has Aaron Ramsdale ready for £25m and a five-year contract five minutes after they told us that he would not pass the medical," Te Kloese said to ESPN Netherlands. "I don't think you can organise that in five minutes.
Bijlow, evidently disappointed by his transfer not going through, chose to give a more measured statement publicly following the breakdown of his move.
He said: "Dear Feyenoorders, I was on my way to the Premier League. After a very special day last Sunday, for which I am very grateful, I was preparing for departure from Feyenoord. I didn't find that easy and it wasn't my first choice, but it had to be for the sake of my career.
"The medical examination has shown that Southampton has a different vision than Feyenoord on how to treat an old injury. I'm fully fit and this doesn't bother me, but I respect the vision of Southampton medical staff.
"This is why I return to Rotterdam, to my club Feyenod. My bond with the city and the club is iron strong. I keep fighting for a place in the goal of Feyenoord and the Dutch national team. Feyenoorders, thank you for the support you always give me."
Meanwhile, Russell Martin was delighted with the eventual transfer of Ramsdale from Arsenal.
"It was a massive signing for the club, character wise, ability wise," Martin said of his new goalkeeper. "Alex [McCarthy] has taken it incredibly well, as I thought he would because of the character he is and the brilliant teammate, brilliant person he is.
"It just wasn't easy. It's never easy to take people off, to leave them out of the squad, to not play them, it's the most difficult part of the job. So to make that decision wasn't easy, but the way Alex has done it and supported Aaron, and Joe Lumley as well, because it's changed his position a little bit.
"But Rambo is going to help us hugely, you could see that today. He stuck at it after one training session and the lads are trying so hard, they're giving everything, they're fighting, so it's not for a lack of that and he will add to that hugely."
