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The last player Barcelona need is an aged star who should be retired

By Chiranjib Ghosh

MONTPELLIER, FRANCE - April 30: Gianluigi Buffon #1 of Paris Saint-Germain during pre game warm up before the Montpellier Vs Paris Saint-Germain, French Ligue 1 regular season match at Stade de la Mosson on April 30th 2019 in Montpellier, France (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)
MONTPELLIER, FRANCE - April 30: Gianluigi Buffon #1 of Paris Saint-Germain during pre game warm up before the Montpellier Vs Paris Saint-Germain, French Ligue 1 regular season match at Stade de la Mosson on April 30th 2019 in Montpellier, France (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images) /
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Barcelona are interested in Gianluigi Buffon

The departure of Jasper Cillessen will leave a void in the squad, but it will be an easy one to fill. There are many players who could be signed, including the likes of Koen Casteels and André Onana. Barcelona B goalkeeper Iñaki Peña could also be called up.

But instead, Barça have registered interest in to-be free agent Gianluigi Buffon. The legendary Italian shot-stopper will leave Paris Saint-Germain when his contract expires after spending a season in the French top-flight.

Buffon has not had a good season with PSG, making blunders which proved to be very costly. The legend make several errors in the Champions League quarter-final against Manchester United, which ended up costing Thomas Tuchel’s side qualification.

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It is clear that the 41-year old former Italy international is far past his prime. The time has come for Buffon to hang up his boots. It is very surprising that he didn’t do so when he decided to leave Juventus. But what is even more surprising is Barça’s interest in him.

The first-team is already filled with ageing stars, and adding another one to the squad won’t do Barça any good. Gianluigi Buffon doesn’t deserve a sendoff from the bench, and neither should Iñaki Peña be bereft of a golden opportunity.

Next. Simeone wants Semedo in his team. dark

Barça should forget about the prospect of signing Buffon and let Fenerbahçe sign him. Or rather, the club should advise the legend to not prolong his career beyond its limit, and retire gracefully as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all-time.