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| Claudio Bravo close to joining Man City – Report |
FC Barcelona goalkeeper Claudio Bravo is reportedly close to joining English club Manchester City according to a report from Barcelona source, Mundo Deportivo.
Former Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola snubbed first choice goalkeeper Joe Hart in Manchester City’s first game of the season in win against Sunderland, starting Willy Caballero instead. This led to speculations that the England goalkeeper is on his way out of the Etihad stadium and according to recent rumours, he’s been told by Pep to find a new club.
This also strengthened the speculation linking Barcelona goalkeeper Claudio Bravo to the English club. The Chilean shot-stopper look to be out-of-favour as German star Marc Andre Ter Stegen will reportedly take up the number 1 role this season which will mean he’ll spend the most of his time on the bench, playing only in Cup games.
Mundo Deportivo have reported that the entourage of Claudio Bravo stated that the player is close to joining Manchester City. The goalkeeper has a release clause worth €40 million, but Manchester City will try to convince Barça to let the 33-year old leave for around €20 million to €25 million. Pep Guardiola believes the goalkeeper has all the qualities to succeed in his team.
Claudio Bravo joined FC Barcelona from Real Sociedad in the summer of 2014 for €12 million along with Marc Andre Ter Stegen after goalkeepers Pinto and Victor Valdes left the club. Bravo won the number 1 spot after Ter Stegen picked up an injury in the beginning of the season and he was so convincing that Luis Enrique didn’t think of stepping him down from his role as Liga goalkeeper.
Bravo set a new Spanish record for not conceding from the start of the season for 754 minutes. The goalkeeper featured in 37 consecutive league games, missing out on the final game when he was rested for Jordi Masip. He won the Zamora trophy, conceding only 19 goals in 37 games.
Bravo has experienced huge success since joining Barça. He has won 7 trophies out of a possible 9 and can get his 8th out if ten by Wednesday. He has also won consecutive Copa America titles with Chile in 2015 and 2016.