Barcelona confirm signing of Cillessen from Ajax

FC Barcelona have completed the signing of goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen from Ajax in a deal worth €13 million with an additional €2 million in conditional add ons.

The Spanish champions have been in the market for a goalkeeper in recent weeks, with Chilean international Claudio Bravo set to depart the after being told he would only be second choice behind Marc André ter Stegen this season.

The Blaugrana were initially linked with a move for Valencia’s 30-year-old Brazilian stopper Diego Alwves, but they have instead decided to push through a deal for Netherlands number one Cillessen.

Cillessen joined Ajax from NEC in 2011, and has made 141 appearances for the Amseterdam gianst, winning three Eredivisie titles with the club.

The 27-year-old will become back-up to ter Stegen at the Campo Nou, with his most likely appearances coming in the Copa del Rey.

Barça’s signing of Cillessen will now expedite Bravo’s €20 million move to Manchester City.

The 32-year-old has been identified by City boss Pep Guardiola as the correct fit for his system, having deemed England keeper Joe Hart to be insufficient in playing the sweeper keeper role, and not good enough with the ball at his feet.

Confirmation of Bravo’s switch to City is expected to be made tomorrow, after the former Real Sociedad player flew to Manchester for a medical earlier in the week.