It looks increasingly likely that on-loan Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina will join Barcelona next summer. Indeed, reports last week suggested that a deal is already in the bag. That may or may not be true, but according to Frans Hoek - the Catalan club's former goalkeeping coach - Reina is the only realistic option to take over from Victor Valdes.
Speaking to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo today, Hoek - who has also coached for Ajax, Bayern Munich, and the Dutch national team - observed:
"Pepe [Reina] is the best option for Barca.
"The club needs a goalkeeper with confidence, who is of a high standard, and can play the system that suits Barca.
"A young player with no experience of the Barca system would need time to adapt, which is why Reina is the best choice".
Reina - recently described as 'extraordinary' by Spain boss Vicente Del Bosque - has been constantly linked with Barcelona over the last couple of years, and he's actively encouraged their interest at times, so it will come as no surprise whatsoever to see him make the move.
Last week, reports in Spain and England claimed that £12m-rated Reina has already agreed a deal to sign for Barcelona next summer, though it's probable that any deal is simply personal terms between club and player.
The question is, how much will Liverpool ultimately make on the Reina deal? I have a feeling that the Reds are going to get stiffed on the transfer fee, and I can't see Barca paying more than £8m for him. Why would they? Reina is obviously surplus to requirements at Anfield, and unless Simon Mignolet suffers a catastrophic loss of form, I doubt that he is going to dislodge the Belgian next summer.
Additionally, given his recent comments about being unhappy about being sent out on loan, It's highly unlikely that Reina would entertain a return to Anfield.
One thing's for sure, Liverpool won't want to continue paying Reina massive wages to sit on the bench, so a move to Barcelona - or even a permanent move to Napoli - must definitely be on the cards.
Jaimie Kanwar
NOTE: Please stick to the Comment Policy (Click to read)
Speaking to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo today, Hoek - who has also coached for Ajax, Bayern Munich, and the Dutch national team - observed:
"Pepe [Reina] is the best option for Barca.
"The club needs a goalkeeper with confidence, who is of a high standard, and can play the system that suits Barca.
"A young player with no experience of the Barca system would need time to adapt, which is why Reina is the best choice".
Reina - recently described as 'extraordinary' by Spain boss Vicente Del Bosque - has been constantly linked with Barcelona over the last couple of years, and he's actively encouraged their interest at times, so it will come as no surprise whatsoever to see him make the move.
Last week, reports in Spain and England claimed that £12m-rated Reina has already agreed a deal to sign for Barcelona next summer, though it's probable that any deal is simply personal terms between club and player.
The question is, how much will Liverpool ultimately make on the Reina deal? I have a feeling that the Reds are going to get stiffed on the transfer fee, and I can't see Barca paying more than £8m for him. Why would they? Reina is obviously surplus to requirements at Anfield, and unless Simon Mignolet suffers a catastrophic loss of form, I doubt that he is going to dislodge the Belgian next summer.
Additionally, given his recent comments about being unhappy about being sent out on loan, It's highly unlikely that Reina would entertain a return to Anfield.
One thing's for sure, Liverpool won't want to continue paying Reina massive wages to sit on the bench, so a move to Barcelona - or even a permanent move to Napoli - must definitely be on the cards.
Jaimie Kanwar
NOTE: Please stick to the Comment Policy (Click to read)
I can see him gone in January for nothing more than 6mil. Was always on the cards. Barca knew they would have to pay close to the 12m in august when they had Valdes for another year why would they?
ReplyDeleteBest of luck to him, but just confirms to me the sheer audacity of his statements when he was leaving for Napoli. It'll be a while before i forget that.
Taking a player from Barca in exchange would probably be a better option.
ReplyDeleteHis contract doesn't expire until 2016
ReplyDeleteWe give them reina and we get sanchez or tello on loan with an option to buy
ReplyDeleteSee you amended the article then after venting your spleen regarding him leaving for free next summer!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI've heard he has been making blunders for Napoli recently too. Unfortunately he may not be the player he once was. I hope he gets his dream move though and I hope it helps us too either in a good fee or like others say a player as part of the deal.
ReplyDeletePepe is a top keeper who's done a lot for this club and has Always been loyal. That's all I need to know. I hope he gets his move to Barca because he's earned it.
ReplyDeleteIf Benitez wants him permanently for Napoli, which seems likely, then someone is going to end up paying at least 12m for him.
ReplyDelete