Liverpool’s top priority transfer pursuit for a new goalkeeper has led them to hunting the capture of Barcelona shot stopper Jasper Cillessen this summer, according to Mundo Deportivo.
The Spanish news outlet report that the Reds are desperately seeking a new shot stopper to replace Simon Mignolet and Loris Karius and after eyeing up Jan Oblak and Alisson Becker, the Dutch international is on their radar.
It is said that the 39-cap star is not up for sale at the Catalan giants but, having helped the club win both the La Liga title with a single league appearance and the Copa Del Rey trophy with nine outings, that he would like more playing time, and there is a £52.5million (€60million) release clause included in his contract.
Good move for Liverpool?
As the report states, the release clause in Cillessen’s contract is significantly less than the asking price for the other targets eyed up by the Reds, so at least economically it is a better move.
Karius’ Champions League performance showed just how important getting a top class goalkeeper in is for Jurgen Klopp and with Cillessen desperate to play more, in theory it is a match made in heaven.
However, at 29-years-old he is not exactly a prodigal talent and if he was as good as Liverpool want him to be, he would be playing regularly for Barcelona or another top side.
Is he better than Karius and Mignolet? Most likely yes, but is he worth that astounding transfer fee that the clause demands? Possibly not.
This is Futbol rating: 7/10
Likely to happen?
Well barring some bizarre turn of events, Liverpool will have a new man between the sticks next summer, and it is just a matter of whether that is Cillessen or another shot stopper.
At the moment it seems as though the Dutch keeper is simply joining the shortlist as Klopp makes the final decision on who to pounce for, but it certainly seems he is among the top three.
The fact Liverpool have changed targets as a result of the incredible price tags on other potential recruits suggests Cillessen’s price tag may be more in their budget, and the Anfield faithful may be looking at their new man.
This is Futbol rating: 8/10