Liverpool are in hot pursuit of FC Barcelona goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen, according to SPORT.
The Spanish outlet claim that the La Liga giants have put a price tag of £26.5million on the Dutchman, half of his £52.9million release clause, as they prepare to start initial discussions with the Reds, along with Napoli, Arsenal, Chelsea.
The report reveals that the Merseyside club hold the most interest in the 29-year-old, as they’re in the market for a reliable goalkeeper this summer after Lorius Karius’ mistakes in the UEFA Champions League final.
it is understood that Napoli are just behind Liverpool in the pecking order for Cillessen after the departure of their keeper Pepe Reina. Chelsea are waiting to see if Thibaut Courtois leaves before making a move and Arsenal aren’t as keen as they’ve already signed Bernd Leno this summer.
The Catalan club are also aware that negotiations will be hard with Jurgen Klopp’s side, after experiencing difficulties in their recent purchase of Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho.
Good move for Liverpool?
This signing would be the best case scenario for Jurgen Klopp this summer. Jasper Cillessen is a top-quality goalkeeper who will guarantee any side security between the sticks and is known as one of Europe’s most adept sweeper keeper’s, being very comfortable with the ball at his feet. He’s played second-fiddle to Marc-André ter Stegen at Barcelona, but in the few appearances he has made, he’s made some impressive saves and not made any mistakes. If he’s good enough for the Catalan’s, he’d be more than good enough for Liverpool.
This is Futbol rating: 10/10
Likely to happen?
It should be very likely. The fee is extremely reasonable for a goalkeeper of his quality, he’s at a prime age and he wants to be first-choice at a big club, so there’s no reason it shouldn’t happen. The only obstacle is how much Klopp wants to trust in Karius this season after his dreadful mistakes probably cost the club a European trophy. He should ship the German out the door without a seconds hesitation to make room for Cillessen, who would improve the team massively.
This is Futbol rating: 8/10