Cillessen strengthens Las Palmas' goal after returning home

Jasper Cillessen was announced this Wednesday as a new addition to Las Palmas, the 16th place finisher in the last edition of LaLiga, marking his return to Spanish football after a second stint with NEC, the club where he was trained in the Netherlands and to which he returned in 2022.

The 35-year-old goalkeeper, who has been capped 65 times for the Netherlands, signed a two-season contract in the Canary Islands after recording 33 games last season for NEC, which finished sixth in the Eredivisie.

In his career, the experienced goalkeeper also represented Ajax, Barcelona, and Valencia. Cillessen began his professional journey at NEC, where he quickly rose through the ranks due to his impressive performances, earning him a move to Ajax in 2011. At Ajax, he became one of the top goalkeepers in the Eredivisie, winning three consecutive league titles from 2011 to 2014 and establishing himself as a key player for the team.

His outstanding performances at Ajax caught the attention of Barcelona, and in 2016, he made the move to the Catalan giants. During his time at Barcelona, Cillessen served primarily as the backup to Marc-André ter Stegen, but he still made significant contributions, particularly in cup competitions. He was instrumental in Barcelona's Copa del Rey victories, helping the team secure the trophy in 2017 and 2018. His stint at Barcelona also saw him lift the LaLiga title in 2018 and 2019, adding to his impressive trophy cabinet.

In 2019, Cillessen transferred to Valencia, seeking more regular first-team action. At Valencia, he continued to demonstrate his goalkeeping prowess in LaLiga, making numerous crucial saves and maintaining a high level of performance. His experience and reliability were valuable assets for Valencia, and he quickly became an integral part of the squad.

Cillessen's return to NEC in 2022 was seen as a homecoming, where he brought his vast experience and leadership to the team. His presence was felt both on and off the pitch, as he helped guide NEC to a commendable sixth-place finish in the Eredivisie, playing 33 matches in the process.

Internationally, Cillessen has been a stalwart for the Netherlands national team, earning 65 caps. He has represented his country in major tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup and the UEFA European Championship. His calm demeanor and shot-stopping ability have made him a reliable choice between the sticks for the Dutch national team.

Las Palmas, recognizing the need for a seasoned goalkeeper, secured Cillessen’s services with the hope that his experience and skill will provide stability and confidence at the back. His leadership qualities and understanding of the game are expected to be invaluable for Las Palmas as they aim to improve their position in LaLiga.

Cillessen's move to Las Palmas marks another chapter in his illustrious career. The Canary Islands club is looking forward to benefiting from his extensive experience in top-flight football. With his track record of success at both club and international levels, Cillessen is poised to make a significant impact at Las Palmas, helping them to achieve their goals in the upcoming seasons.