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Has rival’s incompetence opened door to Cillissen move?

By Russell Hughes

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND - MARCH 26: Bruno Fernandes of Portugal and Jasper Cillessen of Netherlands during the International Friendly match between Portugal v Netherlands at Stade de Geneve on March 26, 2018 in Geneva, Switzerland. (Photo by Harold Cunningham/Getty Images)
GENEVA, SWITZERLAND - MARCH 26: Bruno Fernandes of Portugal and Jasper Cillessen of Netherlands during the International Friendly match between Portugal v Netherlands at Stade de Geneve on March 26, 2018 in Geneva, Switzerland. (Photo by Harold Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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Has a rival’s incompetence opened the door for Liverpool to make a move for Barcelona goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen?

New reports have emerged that indicate an unnamed Premier League side have made an offer for Cillessen, but the Dutchman isn’t keen on the move as they can’t offer Champions League football.

HITC has written a story that quotes a Spanish publication called Sport. In it, the website claims the Barca man wants to see more regular first team action, but is reluctant to settle for a side not featuring in the competition.

Jurgen Klopp has been linked with a whole bunch of goalkeepers during this calendar year. Things calmed down a bit while incumbent Loris Karius was playing well, but have since fired up after his disastrous performance in the Champions League final.

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Cillessen played just 11 times last season, nine of which came in the Copa del Rey. With 40 international caps, the former Ajax man is experienced but will be worried for his Netherlands future if his current situation continues.

The 29-year-old cost the Spanish giants just £11.70m when they signed him from the Eredivisie in August 2016 and he’s played just 21 times for the Catalan outfit. Despite this modest outlay and his minimal game time, they still want a huge £53 million for him – said HITC.

That crazy inflation might help to explain why only one Premier League side are currently interested in Cillessen, although Liverpool have been credited with an interest. The Standard, among others, have ran stories along those lines.

All of these huge quoted figures bring a different question into play. Do the Reds really need a new stopper, at that price, or would the money better be served elsewhere and the faith kept with Karius?

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Is this knee jerk reaction simply the result of years of built up frustration over the quality of goalkeeping seen at Anfield, or does it reflect the ability of the current squad? Food for thought.