Barcelona have been linked with a host of goalkeepers in the summer due to the imminent departure of Jasper Cillessen sometime soon. The Catalans signed Cillessen from Ajax Amsterdam but the goalie has always been preferred second to Marc Andre Ter-Stegen. Just two appearances over two seasons in the league and usually playing time being limited to just the Copa del Rey has forced Cillessen to look for greener pastures.
Barcelona will be willing to let go of the 29 year old even for a fee lesser than his transfer value since his dignified conduct with the club. However, there have been no customers for him in the summer transfer period. But it does look like Cillessen will pack his bags to whichever destination calling in search of more playing time as he enters the twilight of his career.
As a result, his compatriot Jeroen Zoet has been shortlisted by the Spanish champions to replace the potentially outgoing Jasper Cillessen. He is 27 and currently on the books of Eredivisie giants PSV Eindhoven. He has several national call ups under his belt and with 196 appearances for PSV to his name, Zoet is well looked up to in his home nation by several of football’s faithful.
Barcelona will get a sight of their target man twice before they may actually begin negotiating over a deal. This will be when the two clubs face off in the group stage of the UEFA Champions League in the coming months. Zoet will also be in action against other footballing giants such as Tottenham Hotspur and Inter Milan through Champions League commitments.
As far as the league is concerned, the defensive champions have been functional if not impressive having won thrice in as many top flight games after registering a 2-1 Super Cup win against Sevilla. They visit San Sebastian next to take on Real Sociedad at the Anoeta, which is somewhat a bogey ground for them. However, Txuri-urdinak’s record in the league provides great hope for the Catalans.
