Leeds Exclusive: Kiko Casilla verdict as multiple clubs plot bids
Alex Bruce believes Leeds United will let Kiko Casilla choose whether he stays or leaves the club during the summer transfer window.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge, the former Leeds centre-back suggests the Spanish shot-stopper will be torn over leaving the club and staying to play in the Premier League.
As revealed by Football Insider last week, a number of clubs back in Spain are looking to offer the 33-year-old a return home as he considers leaving Elland Road after a year-and-a-half in Yorkshire.
It is understood that Casilla fears his reputation cannot be fixed after being banned for using racist language towards Jonathan Leko earlier this season.
Having seen the club publicly support him over the incident, Bruce believes it is up to the keeper as to whether he stays or goes this summer and suggests he may have mixed feelings over what to do.
Bruce told Football Insider: “I’m sure with everything that’s happened to him he might look to go back over to Spain or wherever to get a fresh start.
“However, the pull of getting promoted and playing for a club like Leeds in the Premier League is something that every player would want to have a crack at.
“It’s all down to the lad and I’m sure it’s a decision that’s going to rest with him. I would understand him doing both to be honest.”
Casilla, who is Leeds’ top player earner on around £40,000-a-week, has been a mainstay for Marcelo Bielsa since his arrival from Real Madrid in January 2019, missing just one Championship game prior to his lengthy ban.
He had been replaced by Lorient loanee Illan Meslier in the starting XI, with the Frenchman keeping a clean sheet in both appearances prior to the Championship shutdown.
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