This article is part of Football League World’s ‘The Verdict’ series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
Leeds United goalkeeper Kiko Casilla looks likely to stay at Elland Road for the upcoming season after director of football Victor Orta revealed the Spaniard would prefer to stay at the club.
It had been reported by Football Insider that the club were looking to offload the Casilla this summer due to his high wages.
However, given the recent comments Orta made to Leeds Live about the 32-year-old, it appears that plan could be scuppered as the shot-stopper would prefer to remain at Elland Road.
Casilla joined Leeds on a free transfer from Real Madrid in January, signing a four-and-a-half-year deal with the Whites, and displaced Bailey Peacock-Farrell as Bielsa's number one for the rest of the season.
Our FLW writers discuss their thoughts following this latest update on the goalkeepers future...
Sam Rourke
"Leeds shouldn't disregard Casilla too soon, and I'm not surprised he's seemingly looking set to stay in Yorkshire.
"Yes, at times the Spaniard was erratic between the sticks and made some big mistakes, notably in their play-off semi-final with Derby at Elland Road, but there is a good goalkeeper in there.
"His aerial presence and shot-stopping ability really came to the fore at times last season for the Whites, and you feel Casilla will want to show fans his true qualities next season, so they can quickly forget about the Derby horror-show.
"Casilla needs time, as let's be honest, it takes time to adapt to the rigours and demands of the Sky Bet Championship."
Jacob Potter
"I think he’s got a point to prove to the Elland Road faithful, but I wouldn’t be giving him the chance.
"There were high hopes for the Spaniard when he arrived at Leeds, but he hasn’t hit the heights to be brutally honest.
"His antics in their play-off semi-final last season cost them promotion in my opinion, and I would have thought that he’d be keen to move back to Spain in the summer.
"Peacock-Farrell should be given a chance in the starting XI next season, although I fear that Bielsa will stick with Casilla for much of next year’s campaign after this latest update.
"This is a transfer stance that will divide opinion in the Leeds fan base."
Josh Cole
"Although Orta may be pleased that Casilla is expected to stay at Leeds this summer, it may turn out to be bad news for Leeds fans if the keeper’s escapades last season are anything to go by.
"Despite establishing himself as the club’s first-choice shot-stopper ahead of Peacock-Farrell, the Spaniard struggled to adapt to life in the Championship with the Whites.
"After being sent-off in Leeds’ crucial clash with Sheffield United in March, Casilla was found wanting yet again in the play-offs as a catalogue of errors against Derby County played a major role in the club’s elimination from the competition.
"Whereas Bielsa seems keen to keep hold of the keeper, it may be a more beneficial decision for the Whites boss to consider letting him go before drafting in a replacement who is a proven performer at Championship level."