Barcelona’s second-choice goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen has his mind set on an exit in the summer window, as he seeks regular playing time.
In an interview with Dutch television channel Ziggo Sport, as reported by MARCA, Jasper Cillessen intends to leave La Liga champions Barcelona in the summer transfer window, in search of first-team football.
Cillessen arrived at Barcelona back in the summer of 2016, making the switch from Dutch giants Ajax, but has had to play second-fiddle to first-choice custodian Marc-Andre ter Stegen throughout his time at Camp Nou.
While Cillessen can claim to be a two-time La Liga champion, the 30-year-old, in his third season with Barcelona, has made just 28 appearances across all competitions, only two of which have come in the Spanish top-flight. In the ongoing season, the Dutchman has featured in 7 matches only – 6 in the Copa del Rey and the other coming in the Champions League.
With his first-team chances with Barcelona unlikely to improve in the near future, it seems like the Netherlan ds international has decided that the time is right for him to move on and seek a new adventure. Speaking of his future on Ziggo Sport, Cillessen said, “First I will go on holiday and then I hope to have a new club where I can play, because I want to play.”
The 48-time capped Netherlands international had generated some interest from Italian champions Juventus last summer, but it is unlikely that the Bianconeri would be looking to make a move for him this time out, with Wojciech Szczesny impressing this term and Mattia Perin acting as an able backup.
Nevertheless, Cillessen’s experience at the top level and his track record with Ajax, Barcelona to some extent and the Netherlands national team should help him generate plenty of interest come summer. The 30-year-old is contracted with Barcelona till the summer of 2021 and they should be able to get a sizeable transfer fee from his sale.
The Catalans are planning on raiding Ajax once again for Cillessen’s replacement, with reports claiming that they have their eyes on Andre Onana, who had spent five years in Barcelona’s youth setup, before leaving for the Eredivisie outfit in 2015.
It remains to be seen whether Barcelona press ahead with their interest in Onana in the summer or turn their focus on an alternative option, but Cillessen’s exit from Camp Nou seems set in stone. It will be interesting to see where he ends up come next season.
