According to AS, Elche are closing in on the capture of Kiko Casilla. The Leeds United goalkeeper is expected to return to his home country Spain, either on a loan deal or on a permanent basis. Casilla’s current contract at Elland Road expires in 2023, meaning Leeds do have the privilege of keeping hold of his services for at least another year.
Kiko Casilla’s Struggles At Leeds United
Kiko Casilla was Leeds United’s number one choice in between the sticks during the promotion-winning 2019/20 campaign. However, he was often criticised for his error-prone nature ever since his arrival at Elland Road in January 2019. He also lost his place to Illan Meslier during the backend of the 2019/20 season after he was suspended for allegedly using racial slurs.
It turned to be a costly suspension for Casilla, as Meslier eventually became Leeds United’s number one, even in the Premier League. The Frenchman featured in 35 league matches last season, emerging as one of the league’s finest young goalkeepers.
In contrast, Casilla did not do enough, especially in the Cup matches, as the Whites were eliminated early in both FA Cup and Carabao Cup. As such, the veteran ‘keeper ended the campaign with only four competitive appearances, two of which came in a final couple of matches in the Premier League.
It appears the Spaniard’s prospects of becoming a first-choice ‘keeper at Elland Road has come to an end. He has endured a steady decline in recent years, and a move away from Yorkshire would make sense.
Should Leeds United Cash In On Casilla?
It is needless to say that Casilla’s move to Elche would make a lot of sense. The Spanish outfit are struggling with a crisis in the goalkeeping department and do not have a proper number one.
Casilla could solve that problem with his years of experience at the highest level of football. However, whether or not he should be allowed to leave permanently by Leeds United remains an open question.
The Whites do not have a reliable backup for Meslier, which makes things complicated. It essentially means that Marcelo Bielsa may have to enter the market for a new goalkeeper, should they sanction the sale of Casilla this summer.
However, it would perhaps be wiser if they only let the veteran leave the club on loan. It will give Leeds the opportunity to scout a potential number two for Meslier for a whole season and make a decision as to whether or not they can cash in on Casilla next summer.
