Valencia signs Cillessen from Barcelona

Goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen featured just 32 times for Barcelona in three years at Camp Nou and he has now sealed a move to Valencia.

Valencia has completed the signing of Jasper Cillessen from fellow La Liga side Barcelona.

The Netherlands international has penned a four-year deal at the Mestalla that contains an EUR 80million (GBP 71.68m) release clause. Cillessen had operated as back-up to Marc-Andre ter Stegen during his three seasons in Catalonia and admitted in April he was seeking a new club.

His departure from Barcelona frees up a space that is expected to be filled by Valencia's current first-choice keeper Neto in what will effectively be a swap deal. Cillessen featured in only 32 games during his three years with Barcelona, just five of which came in La Liga.

 

The 30-year-old's final appearance for Barca came in May's Copa del Rey final defeat to his new club. Barcelona's clear-out is beginning to take shape as striker Marc Cardona left for Segunda Division side Osasuna on Tuesday and Andre Gomes signed for Everton on a permanent deal.

'Very happy'

Cillessen told his new club's official website: "It's amazing, for me it's very special and I can not wait to start. I am very happy.

"I said I wanted to go to Valencia. For me it was not difficult. I spoke with [former Valencia defender Hedwiges] Maduro and [former Valencia manager] Ronald Koeman, to assess whether it was a good option or not, to know the club.

"Valencia is a special club, a great club with a great history. For me it was very easy. I want to start games and win. Today is a very special day for me."