As per the reports from Sky Sports, Leeds United are close to sealing a deal for Real Madrid’s goalkeeper Kiko Casilla. The Championship toppers have been in advanced talks with the custodian over the past week, and this should be seen as a massive coup for the Whites. Now, Sky Sources are confirming that he is set to have a medical at Leeds today only.
Spanish newspaper Marca recently posted a photo on their website in what seemed like Casilla was at the Madrid airport and was flying to England. United have been after a goalkeeper for quite some time now, and they would be relieved that they are close to getting a deal for an experienced custodian like Casilla.
Given his situation at Real Madrid where he has to compete with two world-class goalkeepers in the forms of Thibaut Courtois and Keylor Navas, it seems like a good move for the 32-year-old as well. Now, there is every chance that he can be the first choice goalkeeper at Elland Road given Bailey Peacock Farrell’s patchy performance.
Casilla might boast of three Champions League medals in his repertoire, but it is fair to say that he was never going to get his due with Real Madrid especially after they signed Courtois in the summer of 2018. However, the one time Spanish international could very well be a perfect custodian for Bielsa.
Leeds United were linked with plenty of goalkeepers in the past one month, but one of the reasons why Casilla might have won the race to come to Elland Road is the fact that he has decent ball playing abilities. Playing in a team like Madrid and competing for places with some top keepers made him work on his distribution. The impact of playing under Zidane has improved his on the ball abilities, and that should suit the Whites well as they like to build from the back and the goalkeeper plays a crucial role in that.
Another good thing about this signing is that Casilla is an experienced goalie. We have always maintained that the Whites should go after an experienced goalkeeper instead of a promising or upcoming talent as they already have someone like that in the form of Peacock Farrell. So in that front as well, Casilla’s signing works well.
At Leeds United, the goalkeeper would have a chance to showcase his worth and prove his calibre. We believe he might become the first choice once he settles in at the club and the Whites fans and the club hierarchy should be delighted in getting a deal done for this Real Madrid shot-stopper.
