Leeds United fans are riding the crest of a euphoric wave at the moment. Performances are exciting, but nothing more so than being at the top of the Championship pile with a four-point cushion.
Amidst the continued rumblings of ‘Spygate’, and with the twin-threat of FA and EFL investigations hanging over their club, these fans could have done with a pick-me-up.
That comes courtesy of the news that transfer target stopper Kiko Casilla, currently on the books of Real Madrid, is edging ever nearer to a move to Elland Road.
It was the reputable Phil Hay of the Yorkshire Evening Post who first broke the news in a major way after Leeds had dampened the Derby fires in Friday’s game at Elland Road.
There’s been speculation that the Whites would be looking to bring in a new keeper, such is the paucity of depth in that position at Elland Road. Beyond current #1 Bailey Peacock-Farrell, it is a series of Under-23 (and younger) who provide keeper cover.
United have been linked with a number of domestic keepers such as Karl Darlow (Newcastle United) and Kieren Westwood (Sheffield Wednesday). However, it is to the Santiago Bernabeu that United turn and to Kiko Casilla – a keeper relegated to third-choice behind Thibault Courtois and Keylor Navas.
Casilla is a player with a wealth of LaLiga experience and has also featured for Los Galacticos in the Champions League. Bringing in Casilla is likely to spell the end of this season’s involvement for youngster Peacock-Farrell, the 32-year-old Spaniard hardly likely coming in as a back-up.
With the picture being tweeted out, and with Leeds United fans being the voracious social media users that they are, it would be expected that there’d be a reponse. Here’s what some fans are saying on Twitter about his pictured departure from Spain and soon-to-be arrival in England.
Leeds United fans react and comment after Casilla snap
#RealityCheck #WelcomeToEngland 😂😂
— Yorkshire Pete (@peterjs0007) January 15, 2019
I’m already at Manchester airport arrivals waiting for him. Will be furiously Leeds saluting at him until the police escort me away.
— Ash Cook (@ashcook4) January 15, 2019
Straight into team hopefully
— Paul (@LEYTONREECE) January 15, 2019
Ok.. so @LUFC are signing a first team player from REAL MADRID??
Hold me! 😍
— Lee Mitchell (@leeamitch) January 15, 2019
And the final word goes to the man that broke the news, Phil Hay. It is news that will widen the smiles on Leeds United fans’ faces just that little more.
interesting part of this was @GuillemBalague saying that Casilla, in his view, is amongst the top five current Spanish keepers.
— Phil Hay (@PhilHayYEP) January 15, 2019
