Rayo Vallecano goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski has revealed that he had agreed to join Barcelona in January. The two clubs had reached an agreement for the transfer as well, but the move ultimately fell through and he ended up staying with his current employers.
Dimitrievski would travel to Camp Nou recently, and kept a clean sheet for his side as they completed the league double over Barcelona with a 1-0 win. The goalkeeper has revealed that the reason the transfer failed was due to the presence of Neto in the squad.
Stole Dimitrievski reveals failed Barcelona transfer
“In January I agreed with Barça. Everything was ready, the only thing missing was to sign the contract. But everything stopped because of Neto. He didn’t want to leave,” the goalkeeper, who continued in Vallecas after the market, assured Mozzart Sport.
Marc Andre ter Stegen has come under pressure recently, for his drop in form. The German is no longer the unbeatable presence between the sticks that he once was, and is showing signs of decline. Barcelona wanted Stole Dimitrievski to provide competition for ter Stegen, which they believe that Neto is not doing right now.
But with Neto not wanting to leave, that entire operation had to be scrapped. Whether or not Barca will go for the Vallecano keeper again remains to be seen. He has a contract with them until 2024, and is the guaranteed first choice keeper, whereas he would only be a backup option if he made the switch to Catalonia.
