Barcelona Transfer News: Jasper Cillessen Talks 'Joke' Blaugrana Interest, More
New Barcelona goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen thought someone was playing a prank when the club revealed their interest in signing him.
The Netherlands international joined from Ajax before the transfer window closed and is set to deputise for Marc-Andre ter Stegen at the Camp Nou following the sale of Claudio Bravo to Manchester City. Cillessen has spoken about his surprise at being courted by one of the biggest clubs in European football.
“At the start, it seemed strange that the best team in the world wanted to sign me, I thought it was a joke,” he told the club's official website (h/t Sport).
The goalkeeper has a fine reputation, having shone for Ajax and impressed with the Netherlands. Now he’s faced with a huge challenge to get regular minutes at Barcelona, although the 'keeper feels the transition between the Dutch giants and his new club should be seamless.
“Barca and Ajax are two teams with a comparable style, and this will make the adaption easier for me,” said the 27-year-old. “I know this style of play well, I know what Barca expect in a 'keeper and I will try to do well. I don't think I am a typical 'keeper, I can play with the ball and that is important at Barca.”
Aside from his capable distribution, there are other positive aspects to consider. As these numbers from WhoScored.com illustrate, when it comes to shot-stopping, Cillessen has been one of the standout goalkeepers in the Netherlands for a while:
His recent form has been patchy, though, as Ajax have failed to progress to the UEFA Champions League with Cillessen between the sticks, not to mention their late collapse in the Eredivisie last term.
Barca will be hopeful that when he does play, the Oranje man can recapture the form he showed for the national side at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Even so, Cillessen is more of a solid goalkeeper. He won’t produce stunning stops and remarkable moments with the ball at his feet as frequently as Ter Stegen, but he’s got the talent to reward the faith Barcelona have shown by bringing him in.
