Former player and pundit Carlton Palmer has recently discussed the future of Kiko Casilla in an exclusive chat with This is Futbol.
Palmer believes that if the Spaniard isn’t playing regularly under Marcelo Bielsa and if he isn’t delivering when playing, there are bound to be some uncertainties about his future at the club, suggesting that his playing time is a sign his career at Leeds is nearing an end.
He said: “I don’t know [whether he’ll leave], simple as. You know, if you’re not playing and you’re not delivering, you haven’t got a long-term future at any club, have you?
Should Casilla leave Leeds?
Yes
No
When talking about whether Casilla would be leaving Leeds soon in the future, Palmer said: “I would think so. It’s getting very close, to me.”
Casilla had arrived at Elland Road from Real Madrid in January 2019 and he had joined the Yorkshire-based club on a free transfer. Since joining, the goalkeeper has made 60 appearances in all competitions and he has conceded as many goals, while keeping 22 clean sheets for the Whites. He is currently valued at £1.35m.
The 34-year-old hasn’t been a regular for Leeds this season, playing only once in the Premier League and once in the FA Cup. While that is a reflection of the fact that he has fallen down the pecking order, Illan Meslier has overperformed on the post-shot Expected goals metric, suggestive of the fact that he comes across as a reliable shot-stopper.
Since the young Frenchman has done that and has been a regular under Marcelo Bielsa, while playing 17 league games, it is easy to see why Casilla isn’t preferred by Bielsa. So at this point, it is tough to see how the experienced Spaniard can get first-team football and if he wants it, perhaps moving on might be a good decision.