Pepe Reina is close to making a return to Villarreal this summer, according to journalist Bruno Alemany via AS.
Reina is the first choice to replace Sergio Asenjo in goal for the club. Villarreal were looking for an experienced goalkeeper to provide competition to first-choice netminder Gero Rulli.
Reina played for the club in the 2002-03, 03-04 and 04-05 seasons, before leaving to join Liverpool after an impressive stint.
Now, almost two decades later, Reina is set to return to the Castellón team as a veteran goalkeeper with the role of being back-up to Rulli.
According to Carrusel Deportivo, Reina has opted for Villarreal, as the Madrid native had also been sounded out by Celta Vigo.
The former Liverpool goalkeeper made 17 appearances for Lazio last season. His contract with the Serie A side expires in June 2023.
Reina is third for all-time goalkeeping appearances in Villarreal’s history, with 147 official appearances, after Sergio Asenjo and Diego López.
Reina has a wealth of experience, playing for Barcelona, Liverpool, Bayern Munich, Lazio, Napoli, Milan and Aston Villa.
GSFN
