Juventus have reportedly submitted a €40 million bid to sign Barcelona goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen, who is also a summer target for Liverpool.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Don Balon, Juventus are showing serious interest in signing Jasper Cillessen in the summer transfer window. The Bianconeri have tabled a €40 million bid for the Barcelona goalkeeper, who is also the subject of interest from Liverpool.
Cillessen arrived at Barcelona after a stellar five-year stint at Ajax, which saw him build a reputation of being an astute customer between the sticks. Over the last two seasons though, there has been a clear divide in goalkeeping responsibilities at Camp Nou, which has restricted the 29-year-old to just 21 outings.
17 of these appearances have come in cup competition, with Marc-Andre ter Stegen a permanent name on the team sheet in league and Europe. While Cillessen has provided a reliable presence in goal whenever called upon by Barcelona, there have been suggestions that the Dutchman is eager to play regular first-team football next season. Liverpool and Juventus are ready to provide him the chance.
At Liverpool, the need to sign a goalkeeper arose in the aftermath of their UEFA Champions League final loss to Real Madrid. Loris Karius, who up until that fateful day had become the firm first-choice, made two game changing howlers that cost the Reds European glory.
While the German has received a lot of support since then, there have also been talks of signing a more reliable goalkeeper. That Karius has continued struggling in Liverpool’s pre-season friendlies thus far have only ended up swelling the speculation surrounding the future of the Reds’ goalkeeping department, making Cillessen a viable target.
The interest from Juventus though, comes as a bit of surprise. Wojciech Szczesny is believed to be the first-choice goalkeeper upon Gianluigi Buffon’s departure. Moreover, Juventus have already bolstered goalkeeping options by signing Mattia Perin, who will ideally be the second-choice behind Szczesny. Where Cillessen will fit in the scheme of things is perplexing.
Nevertheless, Juventus seem to be serious about their interest in Cillessen, if Don Balon are to be believed. The Bianconeri have tabled a €40 million bid, with Barcelona seriously considering the offer. Liverpool have reportedly submitted an enquiry for Cillessen, but will have to firm up their interest further if they are to beat Juventus, even though they will likely offer more regular game time.
The race to sign Cillessen is certainly getting interesting, with Juventus already submitting an offer. What is clear is that the 29-year-old is a coveted figure in the transfer market, with Liverpool also a major stakeholder. A summer move appears certain, with Barcelona reportedly already identifying possible replacements.
