According to a recent report by Mundo Deportivo (via the Metro), Manchester United are lining up a move to secure the services of Barcelona keeper Jasper Cillessen during the summer transfer period. The same source has mentioned that the Red Devils are looking to recruit the Dutch keeper as a replacement for David De Gea if the Spaniard leaves the club later this summer.
Cillessen’s Reserved Role At Barcelona
The 30-year-old has been playing second-fiddle to Marc Andre ter Stegen at the Nou Camp for the past couple of seasons since arriving from AFC Ajax in the summer of 2016. He has been a very reliable number two in Ernesto Valverde’s squad.
Cillessen has made 11 appearances for the Catalan giants this term, conceding 13 goals while keeping three cleans sheets across all competitions. At 30, the Dutch shot-stopper still has a few years left in him to play at a high level.
The Nijmegen born talent is also vastly experienced at the international level having represented the Netherlands in 48 matches in various tournaments. However, the jury is still out on whether he would be able to cope with the physical toll of Premier League football this late in his playing career.
What Does The Dutch Keeper Offer On The Pitch?
Cillessen is a tall, athletic and robust keeper who can make world-class saves when playing with confidence on the pitch. He is an excellent handler of the ball and can position himself well when attempting to stop the opposition forwards from scoring. The Dutch goalie has decent reflexes and is also a good distributor of the ball.
Is Cillessen The Right Choice For Solskjaer?
However, he is not one of the world’s best players in his position and won’t fill the void left by De Gea if the Spaniard part ways with the Red Devils this summer. Man United would still be getting a reliable keeper if they chose to opt for Cillensen’s services. One can argue that they are better off splashing the cash on strengthening some of the other vital areas of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s squad.
Either way, it will be a bitter pill to swallow for Solskjaer if De Gea departs Old Trafford in this offseason, but Cillenssen’s acquisition can go a long way in softening the blow of losing the world-class Spaniard.
