Search icon

Football

25th Jul 2018

Pepe Reina might make surprise Premier League return, days after joining AC Milan

Silly season is definitely here

Simon Lloyd

Silly season is finally here, ladies and gents

The World Cup might have delayed it slightly, but make no mistake about it, it’s here alright. Anyone doubting this need only look as far as former Liverpool goalkeeper, Pepe Reina.

The 35-year-old recently moved to AC Milan following the expiration of his contract at Napoli at the end of the season. However, despite the move only being completed this very month, it now seems there’s a chance he could be on the move again.

More reports have emerged suggesting Reina could complete a shock return to the Premier League with Chelsea, who look increasingly likely to lose Thibaut Courtois to Real Madrid in the coming days.

Pepe Reina

Although the likes of Jack Butland and Kasper Schmeichel have been mentioned as possible Courtois replacements for Chelsea, it’s claimed that newly appointed manager Maurizio Sarri would be happy to be reunited with Reina, who he worked with in Naples, in a deal thought to be worth around £9m.

As pointed out by The Mirror, the goalkeeper’s ease with the ball at his feet will help ease the transition to ‘Sarri-ball’ at Stamford Bridge following two years under Antonio Conte.

If Reina does complete the move, he’ll follow former Napoli teammate Jorginho to the club after the Brazilian-born Italian international opted to turn down the chance to play for Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in favour of the move to the FA Cup winners.

The FootballJOE quiz: Were you paying attention? – episode 10