Dutch goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen, who has 30 senior caps with Netherlands, is yet another player that has been linked with Barcelona as a replacement for Claudio Bravo.
Sport reports that Barcelona first team technical secretary Roberto Fernandez has a list of names who could replace the Chilean at the Camp Nou. Along with Valencia’s Diego Alves and Napoli’s Pepe Reina, the 27 year old Ajax shot stopper is also being considered as a likely option. Everything apparently depends on how negotiations with Valencia go for the joint deal involving Diego Alves and Paco Alacer.
Bravo’s Departure
As reported earlier, Pep Guardiola and Manchester City are interested in luring Claudio Bravo away from Barcelona to replace Joe Hart, who is almost an icon at the club.
Earlier, Manchester City’s approach for German goalkeeper Marc Andre Ter-Stegen was cut short by Barcelona. Reports claim that City are eager to spend up to €25 million to secure the signature of 33-year-old, who has made close to 69 appearances in La Liga.
The Right Career Choice?
While Spanish newspaper Sport remain adamant about how this would be a big step up in the career of Cillessen, the other players linked point to the fact that Barcelona are looking for a goalkeeper who would be second choice to Ter-Stegen.
Cillessen is one of the most talented goalkeepers in the Netherlands and is arguably a better choice over Diego Alves and Pepe Reina. Pepe Reina has been one of the weak points of Napoli’s season last year despite accumulating many clean sheets. The former Liverpool goalkeeper is very error prone. Cillessen, who is a regular for Peter Bosz’s side, will have to sacrifice a first team spot for the bench. But there are very few players who would say no to a team like Barcelona.
