Barcelona boss reveals plans for Liverpool, Chelsea linked goalkeeper

Joe Williams

Ernesto Valverde has claimed that he hopes goalkeeper Jasep Cillessen remains at Barcelona amid links with Chelsea and Liverpool.

The Netherlands international has struggled for game time at the Nou Camp following his arrival from Ajax, which has led to rumours that he is unsettled at the club.

When asked about his future after Barcelona’s 1-0 loss to AC Milan in preseason, Cillessen replied: “I don’t know.”

Despite the 29-year-old’s comments, Valverde made it clear that he values Cillessen and wants him to stay at the club.

“My idea is to have two good goalkeepers, the two we have now, Marc and Jasper,” said Valverde.

“It’s true that [Cillessen has] not played as much as Marc, but that’s what being a goalkeeper can be like.

“He knows what I think. I don’t think he will be hard work if he stays – we are very happy with his professionalism and his attitude. We hope he stays with us and is happy here.”