Bravo to Barcelona

Chile captain and goalkeeper Claudio Bravo is reportedly on the verge of a move to Barcelona, having agreed personal terms with the Catalan club, for a fee of around US$12.2 million.

Bravo has turned down the opportunity to join Spain’s elite clubs on two occasions in the past — in 2010 he declined Real Madrid’s offer of becoming a backup to Iker Casillas, and similarly in 2012 rejected the chance to become Barcelona’s second choice goalkeeper behind Víctor Valdés.

However, with both first-choice Valdés and backup José Manual Pinto leaving the club this summer, the Chilean could reach the pinnacle of European football by making the number one jersey at Barcelona his own. Standing in his way is the club’s recent signing, 22-year-old German Marc-André Ter Stegen.

The Chilean goalkeeper’s experience could count in his favour — he has amassed 78 caps for the national team and has the chance to display his ability at the World Cup this summer, unlike his German competitor, who missed out on a place in the Germany squad for the tournament.

Former Chile goalkeeper Nelson Tapia believes that Bravo will soon surpass the record number of international caps for Chile, a title held by Leonel Sánchez with 85, and offered glowing praise for the current national number one.