Manchester City are reportedly looking for a replacement for the injured Claudio Bravo, but Jasper Cillessen is not one of them.
Manchester City find themselves in an unfortunate situation, as backup goalkeeper Claudio Bravo is set to miss the majority of the season. So likewise there are reports that the reigning Premier League champions are looking for a new goalkeeper. As per Sport, however, Barcelona’s Jasper Cillessen is not an option.
Bravo recently ruptured his Achilles and will reportedly be out with the injury for up to seven months. This effectively means, that the Chilean would not be available for most of the season, and considering rehab and recovery, could miss the entire campaign for Manchester City.
Naturally, Manchester City would fall short of options in the goalkeeping department, especially after being deprived of Bravo’s quality and experience. So as to ensure there is enough cover for Ederson, the Premier League champions are exploring the option to sign another quality goalkeeper as back-up to the Brazilian in an “emergency loan”.
Despite the transfer window for English clubs now shut, in cases like that of City’s, clubs can go for an emergency loan or sign free agents. Widespread reports have suggested that the Citizens have turned their attention towards Barcelona for Jasper Cillessen. But, Sport is to be believed that is not the case.
First of all, Manchester City understand it would be highly challenging to convince Barcelona into sending their deputy goalkeeper on loan, especially when they could get a permanent deal for the stopper. With the summer transfer window now shut in England, City will be unable to outright buy the Dutch shot stopper.
Secondly, Cillessen has been linked with a move away from Barcelona in search of regular first-team football, something that Manchester City are unlikely to provide. So that said, the Dutchman will unlikely switch bases from Camp Nou to Etihad if he is to continue in a similar role as his current one.
Additionally, it is unclear if Manchester City can secure permission to pursue an “emergency loan” move for a contracted goalkeeper, which puts them in a bit of a spot. So, the Premier League champions will likely have to explore options from within the club instead of going for the Barcelona deputy.
As far as City’s goalkeeping situation is concerned, they definitely need to find a solution for Ederson’s new backup. An untimely injury to the Brazilian would put them under real pressure for the season on all fronts. But, the big question remains as to whether City will be able to find a viable replacement who matches Bravo’s quality.
