Leeds United goalkeeper Kiko Casilla has been charged for using racist and insulting words towards Charlton’s Jonathan Leko earlier this season. The goalkeeper has denied those charges, and he will have to respond within the next few days.
As things stand, if Casilla isn’t able to defend himself, then he could be facing a minimum ban of six matches if found guilty of the offence. This sudden blow to the Whites has almost come out of nowhere, and it will concern the fans and team management.
French youngster Illan Meslier is currently the second choice option for the Whites, and he could get his chances if Casilla is handed a ban. Apart from that, Polish custodian Kamil Miazek is another alternative for Bielsa. Both of the backup options are untested at the top level, and that could be concerning for the manager as his side is in a tight battle to secure the direct promotion spots.
Danny Mills suggests Leeds sign this goalkeeper
To overcome this situation, former Leeds United defender Danny Mills has indicated that the Yorkshire outfit could go after their former goalkeeper Rob Green. Speaking to Football Insider, Mills said, ”I have to say, Rob Green is out of contract, still available and he lives local. Stranger things have happened. I’m sure there are goalkeepers out there, unattached, without football clubs at the moment. I’m pretty sure there are keepers who have just finished this season and (Leeds could) go about bringing them in. If not, you’ve got to go with a young player.”
Why going after Green wouldn’t make much sense?
Green was picked up by Chelsea last season where he didn’t make any appearances for them. The 12 time England international retired after the Blues went on to win the Europa League. It would certainly be strange to see United picking him up out of nowhere to fill in goal.
If the Whites look to bring in someone else if Casilla gets a ban, then it would be unfair on Meslier as he was brought in as a backup option. Moreover, Green is unlikely to be in match-fit condition after he announced his retirement a few months earlier.
There is no way that the Whites should be going after Green. However, it cannot be denied that United will find themselves in sticky ground with only two young and inexperienced goalkeepers being available. With the Championship table being so tight, losing a first-team player like Casilla for a minimum of six games could hurt United’s chances. Hopefully, for the sake of greater good, Casilla hasn’t done anything wrong in this situation. If yes then, he would deserve his ban, which could cost his team.
