Leeds United have announced the signing of Real Madrid goalkeeper Kiko Casilla. It signals a statement of intent from Leeds, who currently lie top of the Sky Bet Championship. Casilla joins on a four-and-a-half year deal.
Kiko Casilla Signs For Leeds United
His Career
The goalkeeper started his career at Real Madrid Castilla, Los Blancos’ reserve side. After only making five appearances for them, he then joined Espanyol in 2007.
However, after struggling to make it into the first team there, he joined Cadiz on loan for a season. Casilla also had another loan spell in his time at Espanyol, playing for Cartagena in the 2010/11 season.
Following his return to Espanyol, he reclaimed the number one spot in goal. From the 2011/12 season until 2014/15 he was the first team goalkeeper, making a total of 111 appearances.
In the summer of 2015, he then rejoined Real Madrid. However, he has struggled to break into the first team consistently and has made just a total of 25 appearances in three years at the Bernabeu. This is partly due to those ahead of him, both Keylor Navas and Thibaut Courtois, making him the third choice.
Joining at a Vital Time
The signing of Casilla will undoubtedly strengthen the Leeds United first team. Current first team goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell has come under criticism at points this season for inconsistent performances. There were calls for him to be sent off in their game against Derby County following a poor challenge on Duane Holmes. The signing of Casilla will more than likely see the young keeper dropped to the bench.
Casilla will be joining at the start of a difficult run of fixtures. It is likely he will be in line to start against Stoke City on Saturday. Following this, Leeds face an away trip to Rotherham before facing promotion rivals Norwich at Elland Road. This run of fixtures is finished off with another trip, this time to Middlesbrough.
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