Spanish club Espanyol have announced the transfer of goal-keeper Kiko Casilla to Real Madrid for a 6 million, with the player set to join the club’s pre-season tour of Australia.
Real Madrid had long been linked with a move for Manchester United ace David De Gea, however, with the Red Devils playing hardball over the transfer of the 24-year-old, Madrid have now probably given up the chase, and hope to sign the goal-keeper on a free next season.
The Santiago Bernabeu outfit had only one recognized shot-stopper in Keylor Navas, following the departure of club legend Iker Casillas to FC Porto. The Los Blancos had been linked with a move for the Spanish stopper for some time now, and the Los Blancos already part-owned Kiko Casilla and thus signed the a 12 million rated keeper for only a 6 million.
Casilla, a Real Madrid youth product, was signed by Espanyol in 2007
Casilla, a Real Madrid youth product had been at the Barcelona club for 8 years now, following his move in 2007. With the Catalonia club, said to owe a 130 million to the Spanish tax office, a 10 million of which needed to be paid next month, the club had no other option but to accept the Bernabeu outfit’s offer, which was much lower than their evaluation of the player.
The deal is however, yet to be announced by Real Madrid.
Acord entre el @RCDEspanyol i el @realmadrid per al trasp s de . @KikoCasilla13. #RCDE http://t.co/O8bRr77laS
a RCD ESPANYOL OFICIAL (@RCDEspanyol) July 17, 2015
Molta sort @KikoCasilla13! Gr cies per tot! #RCDE pic.twitter.com/zWSu2wA0CQ a RCD ESPANYOL OFICIAL (@RCDEspanyol) July 17, 2015
Casilla and Navas to compete for the No. 1 role as Real wait for De Gea?
The 28-year-old will compete with Keylor Navas for the starting spot at the Santiago Bernabeu. Casilla has been an assured presence of the Catalan side over the last couple of seasons. Following the departure of Iker Casillas, it is time for his almost name-sake to make a name for himself at Real Madrid.
Costa Rican international Navas, had made it clear to the club, that he will not be the second choice keeper if De Gea arrives, and in that case he be sold. Real Madrid have reportedly offered Navas to club’s including Manchester United and Valencia.
Real Madrid look set to wait for another year to land their prime target, David De Gea, on a free from Manchester United, with the Red Devils more inclined to losing the 24-year-old on a free next season, than to sell him to Real now.