Leeds United goalkeeper Kiko Casilla secured his future at Elland Road by telling Marcelo Bielsa he wanted to stay the day after last season’s play-off defeat, according to The Athletic journalist Phil Hay.

Casilla has been a mainstay in goal for Leeds this season, starting every Championship game and helping the side to concede the fewest goals in the league.

The 32-year-old joined on a free transfer in January and is understood to be the highest earner in the Whites squad.

In a Q&A for The Athletic, Hay revealed that this fact nearly led to him exiting Elland Road in the summer.

He explained: “The initial feeling at Elland Road was that he (Casilla) would have to be sold because of the size of his wage. 

“But he went to Bielsa the day after the play-off defeat and told him that he wanted to stay.

“From then on he's been first choice and firmly in the picture. By all accounts, his personality has come out more at Thorp Arch over the summer too.”

Casilla has been the number one since he joined the club from Real Madrid, missing just two Championship games since he arrived, and with inexperienced 19-year-old Illan Meslier the other goalkeeper in the squad that looks likely to continue.

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The Verdict

Leeds fans should love this show of desire from Casilla, particularly after what was a poor showing in the play-off loss.

Casilla was involved in a mix-up with captain Liam Cooper that led to Derby County equalising in the semi-final second leg. Derby would go on to beat Leeds 4-2 and knock them out of the play-offs.

It appears the Spaniard is developing into an important character in the dressing room as well and the 32-year-old’s experience could be useful this season.

Casilla was linked with a move back to Spain in the summer but after his impressive start to the 2019/20 campaign, which has included three clean sheets in six games, keeping him at the club looks like a wise move.