Football Insider has recently published an article including some rather interesting quotes from their Leeds source about the goalkeeper situation.
Leeds United number one Kiko Casilla is currently under investigation by the FA for allegedly racially abusing Johnathan Leko during the Charlton match, this is an allegation the Spaniard ‘strenuously denies‘ and the FA have recently extended the response deadline to 27th November.
A Leeds source has told Football Insider: “That the club are preparing for all eventualities and recruitment chief Victor Orta is looking to bring in a new keeper who is capable of competing for the number one shirt.” With Casilla being 33 years old, this is a good decision even if he isn’t banned as the Spaniard is hardly getting any younger, but despite his age, he is still a solid keeper for the Peacocks and would be greatly missed should he be banned or injured.
The 33-year-old has played 1440 minutes in the Championship so far this season, making on average 2.2 saves per game, which goes to show just how well Leeds’ defence has played, with the Spanish keeper hardly having to make any saves. Casilla is pretty good with his feet as well, attempting on average 31.2 passes per game.
Verdict
It’s good to see that Leeds have a contingency plan should Casilla receive the minimum six-game ban, however, they have not yet stated any potential targets and you would think the replacement would have to be a seasoned pro, not requiring too much time to settle into Marcelo Bielsa way of playing. Leeds can’t afford for a youngster to have to settle in, they need an instant impact to replace such a crucial part of the team.
It seems rather strange that the Whites are considering a move for another ‘keeper though, considering they signed Illan Meslier on loan this summer with the option to turn his temporary stint at Elland Road into a permanent deal at the end of the season.