Jasper Cillessen confirms he wants to leave Barcelona this summer
Barcelona goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen has revealed he wants to leave the club in the summer.
Cillessen joined the Spanish giants from Ajax in 2016 but has found himself playing back-up to Marc-Andre ter Stegen, being reduced to sporadic league and cup appearances.
Will Cillessen leave Barcelona? Five key things to know…
- Jasper Cillessen joined Barcelona in 2016 from Ajax.
- The goalkeeper has constantly been back-up for Marc-Andre ter Stegen, with 28 Barcelona appearances in three years.
- And Cillessen has admitted he will be looking for a new club in the summer, hoping to secure increased playing time.
- But that hasn’t stopped Cillessen recommending a Barcelona move for compatriot Matthijs de Ligt.
- Jasper Cillessen has made just seven appearances for Barcelona this season.
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However, his poor experience in Catalonia has not stopped Cillessen from recommending a Barcelona move for Ajax defender Matthijs de Ligt.
The Dutch centre-back has had a remarkable season with the Amsterdam side, helping them reach the semi-finals of the Champions League and lead the Eredivisie.
“I would say [to De Ligt]: ‘Who wouldn’t want to play here?’ If a player gets the chance to come to Barcelona, everyone would want that,” Cillessen told Ziggosport.
“After this season I will go on vacation first and then I hope to find a new club to get more playing time.”
Barcelona have already taken one young star from Ajax this season, with midfielder Frenkie de Jong joining the club in the summer.
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Cillessen remains optimistic for one last Barcelona appearance
Barcelona wrapped up a second consecutive La Liga title on Saturday thanks to their 1-0 win over Levante, and the Blaugrana will be hoping for trophies to follow before the season is up.
Ernesto Valverde’s men are also in the semi-finals of the Champions League, where they will face Liverpool and the final of the Copa del Rey with Valencia their opponents.
And while Ter Stegen is expected to be in goal for the Champions League double-header, Cillessen is keeping himself ready just in case.
“That’s how it is but you never know. Maybe something happens at the last minute and I need to play,” he added.
However, Cillessen could be in for a Copa del Rey final appearance with six of the Dutchman’s seven appearances for Barcelona this season coming in the competition, though he did sit out of the semi-final win over Real Madrid.
