Barcelona could be compelled to delve into the market for a goalkeeper, with backup option Jasper Cillessen a €60 million summer target for Liverpool.
If a report from Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo is to be believed, Liverpool are looking to raid La Liga to reinforce their goalkeeping department. The Reds are taking a keen interest in Barcelona backup Jasper Cillessen and are prepared to meet the player’s €60 million release clause.
Jasper Cillessen sealed a move to Barcelona from Ajax in the summer of 2016 to act as the deputy to and provide stiff competition to Marc-Andre ter Stegen in goal. The Dutchman though, has largely been relegated to cup games and not being given an actual look-in despite good showings whenever called upon.
Over the course of two seasons, Cillessen has just two Champions League appearances and the same number of starts in La Liga to show for himself. With ter Stegen’s place as the first-choice at Barcelona a fixed proposition, Cillessen might just have to move in order to secure regular football. And Liverpool could be the answer for the Dutchman.
Liverpool’s goalkeeping woes have been apparent for a few seasons now. But, just as it looked as if Loris Karius had finally stepped up and taken a stand, his Champions League final showing proved just how lacking Liverpool are in the goalkeeping department.
Despite a show of solidarity by players, Jurgen Klopp is likely to be seeking a new number one for the upcoming season. And while the likes of Alisson Becker and Jan Oblak have been doing the rounds, Cillessen could be a better, more accessible option in the transfer market.
For one, the Dutchman’s €60 million release clause would mean he would come cheaper than €100 million man Jan Oblak and Alisson Becker, who has been slapped with an €80 million price tag by AS Roma.
Also, Cillessen would be hungry to prove himself capable of being the first-choice at a big club after being overlooked by Barcelona. Another motivation for Liverpool to pursue the Dutchman would be the fact that there is no reported competition, should the Reds decide to move for the former Ajax man, whereas there are a hosts of suitors lined up for Alisson and Oblak, making their respective pursuits that much tougher.
Cillessen should be a credible option for Liverpool in the transfer market, especially if the Reds fail to make much headway in their pursuit of either or both of Alisson and Jan Oblak. The Dutchman is looking to secure regular football and a move away from Barcelona beckons, be it to Liverpool or some other club.
