Benfica set to beat Juventus to disgruntled Barcelona goalkeeper
Barcelona goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen is set to leave for Benfica
Jasper Cillessen is fed up with Barcelona’s treatment of him, despite consistently good performances. The 30-year old Dutch goalkeeper wants to leave at the end of the season, in search of more playing time.
As a result of Cillessen’s decision to leave Barça, many former suitors had taken notice, particularly Juventus. The Old Lady are yet to find a proper successor to club legend Gianluigi Buffon, and see Cillessen as an adequate replacement.
But they are set to be beaten to the signature of Cillessen by Benfica. The Portuguese club want an upgrade to existing first-choice goalkeeper Odisseas Vlachodimos, and are very close to sealing the signing of the Netherlands international.
More from FC Barcelona News
- Barça boss Xavi to get contract extension
- FC Barcelona planning swoop for Arsenal midfielder
- FC Barcelona tracking 20-year-old goal machine
- Lamine Yamal’s involvement causing tension at FC Barcelona
- How can Xavi unlock Joao Felix for FC Barcelona?
Barça are expected to make a decent profit on Jasper Cillessen. It would have been much bigger last summer, when his market value had suddenly increased due to the widespread interest in him. But the fee will certainly exceed €13 million by a significant margin.
The net profit could be limited because a replacement will probably be signed. André Onana is the primary target, while Wuilker Faríñez has been added to the shortlist recently. Iñaki Peña still remains a costless option, but is not expected to receive a call-up just yet.
Next. Why the 2019/20 season is the most important in club history. dark
Cillessen has wasted the best years of his prime at Barça, and will probably regret his decision to leave Ajax in the future. But it has also paved the way for the rise of André Onana, and has opened up an opportunity for La Masia graduate Iñaki Peña.