From Russia with gloves: Why Akinfeev would be the perfect replacement for Valdes at Barcelona

Tito Vilanova will have a big void to fill when the Spaniard departs Camp Nou, but a Russian candidate could guarantee a smooth changing of the gloves

While Barcelona’s drawn out €57 million capture of Neymar at last reached its conclusion with the Brazilian’s unveiling on Monday, behind the scenes at Camp Nou the club have already embarked on another complex pursuit.

The decision of Victor Valdes to walk away from Catalunya at the end of his contract in 2014 will bring to an end a 13-year association with the Blaugrana and leave coach Tito Vilanova with a sizeable void to fill.

The world’s media have been quick to link the Liga champions with anyone who has ever pulled on a pair of goalkeeping gloves. 

Goal understands that Liverpool’s Pepe Reina and Borussia Monchengladbach No.1 Marc-Andre ter Stegen are the early frontrunners for the impending vacancy, but Galatasaray's Nestor Mulsera is also an option.

Though the trio are on Barca’s radar, the erratic form of all three in recent times will not put supporters at ease or inspire confidence in a defensive unit that was found wanting for much of last season.

One man whose name is yet to be churned out by the transfer rumour mill is a Russian whose CV ticks all the relevant boxes, whose contract expires next summer and who should be given serious consideration as Barca president Sandro Rosell prepares to write another substantial cheque.

It is difficult to believe that it is 10 years since Igor Akinfeev broke into CSKA Moscow’s starting XI and a decade on there are few better goalkeepers in world football.

Now 27, the six-foot-one-inch glovesman can already boast a glittering resume at club level, with four league titles, six Russian Cups, four Super Cups and a single Uefa Cup success to his name. And, best of all, his peak years are still in front of him. 

By goal.com