Jasper Cillessen criticises Barcelona on asking price

Goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen has criticised Barcelona for demanding his release clause of €60m for his departure this summer.

Cillessen, a Dutch international, has a contract at the Camp Nou running through until June 2021 and containing a €60m release clause, while it is believed he wants more first-team football.

The shot-stopper has featured in just 32 games in three seasons at the Camp Nou – of which 24 were in the Copa, with just five in La Liga and three in the Champions League.

The 29-year-old joined Barca from Ajax in 2016 but has struggled to dislodge Marc-Andre Ter Stegen from the number one spot.

“Barcelona asking for €60m for me does not help my situation,” Cillessen is cited as saying by Diario AS.

“I'm still calm, we have to wait and see what happens, I'll consider my options after the holidays.”

Reports cited leading Portuguese media outlets Record and A Bola said that Benfica were close to a deal for the goalkeeper but are only willing to offer €15m.

It is said that the Eagles also tried to sign the Dutchman two summers ago but were deterred by his high salary but now it appears a transfer fee has been the main stumbling block for a move.

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