It was a very high-profile move, wasn’t it? Midway through the January transfer window, Leeds United pulled off a real coup by signing now former Real Madrid goalkeeper, Kiko Casilla, on a four-and-a-half year deal. It seemed that Bailey Peacock-Farrell’s mistakes earlier in the season had cost him a little bit of Marcelo Bielsa’s faith, and the opportunity to bring someone in of Casilla’s profile and ability was clearly too good to turn down.
Having signed a player who has was a regular in La Liga for RCD Espanyol and then trusted as a back-up ‘keeper at one of the world’s biggest clubs, it came as no surprise to see lots of the Elland Road faithful very excited with the move.
Like to wish Kiko a big Welcome to lufc #mot #lufc
— Smeddy lufc (@smeddy69) January 17, 2019
Welcome king @KikoCasilla13
— Lauryn Hall (@LaurynHall88) January 17, 2019
Astonishing work to bring this fella in. No gif replies, just a hearty thumbs up
— Simon O’Rourke (@simon_orourke) January 17, 2019
Welcome to the biggest club in Europe Kiko
— Stephen.D (@Stephen____d) January 17, 2019
Some United fans also commented on the work that Peacock-Farrell will now have to do to try and contend with Casilla.
https://twitter.com/discodaveforest/status/1085868366206771200
Brilliant news. Gonna miss Bailey though – he looks like one of my son’s mates, I wanna ask him what GCSES he’s picking
— Sue Kendrick (@SueKendrick1) January 17, 2019
As well as obtaining impressive shot-stopping qualities and reflexes, the Spaniard also excels with the ball at his feet, which suits Bielsa’s style more so than Peacock-Farrell’s ability on the ball.
When being pressured by the opponent or finding the right pass, Casilla is so frequently able to remain calm and accurately find his teammate, so it is no surprise that United leapt at the chance to bring him in. That red card against Sheffield United aside, the Champions League winner could be the ‘keeper to lead the Whites into the Premier League at long, long last.
Once he’s there, the 32-year-old boasts the kind of quality to ensure Leeds United enjoy life back in the proverbial Promised Land, rather than just endure it.
Leeds United fans, what were your initial thoughts when signing Casilla? Join the discussion by commenting below…
