Iker Casillas’ move to Portuguese power-house FC Porto has been confirmed by sponsors Bwin, with a farewell of the legendary goalkeeper scheduled for tomorrow.
Real Madrid‘s sponsors Bwin have today confirmed the transfer of World Cup winning goalkeeper Iker Casillas to FC Porto, following months of speculation regarding the future of the Spanish shot-stopper. This marks the end of a stellar 25-year association between the club and Saint Iker, while paving the way for David De Gea’s move to the Spanish capital.
Casillas was a product of the Real Madrid youth academy, and has been in the first team for the last 17 years, mostly as the undisputed No. 1. The Real Madrid Captain, however, faced some turbulent times in the last two years, and hasn’t been as convincing during the same period.
Although, Costa Rican goal-keeper Keylor Navas was signed by the Santiago Bernabeu outfit for A?8 million after a stunning World Cup campaign, last summer, he has been failed to earn the trust of the club and only made 6 league appearances last term. New manager Rafa Benitez wants a new custodian between the posts, which will instill some much needed solidarity to the Madrid back line.
David De Gea has emerged as the prime candidate to take over the soon to be vacant No. 1 spot of Real Madrid, with a A?27 million transfer believed to be imminent. If however, a deal cannot be agreed for the Manchester United goalkeeper, the Bernabeu outfit would turn their attention towards Hugo Lloris of Tottenham Hotspur.
Iker #Casillas se va al #Oporto. El viernes a las 13:00h despedida del capitA?n del #RealMadrid . en el Bernab u. pic.twitter.com/PUFDkfxbsp
a bwin Espa a (@bwin_es) July 8, 2015
Jasper Cillessen of Ajax and Hugo Lloris have emerged as top targets for the Red Devils, if De Gea returns to Spain this summer, who would compete with former Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes for the number one spot.