Veteran Real Madrid stopper Casillas closing in on Porto switch
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Long-serving Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas is edging ever closer to an exit from the Bernabeu, with fellow Iberian giants Porto offering the Spain international veteran the chance to become the Primeira Liga’s highest-ever earner.
Los Blancos have been long linked with Manchester United’s sensational Spaniard David de Gea, and such a move for Casillas could see that pursuit become even more heated this summer, much to the dismay of Red Devils faithful (11/2 with Coral for 2015/16 Premier League).
The Dragons have reportedly offered Casillas a two-year deal worth around €2.5m annually, with an option of a third year, and the Real hero is happy to agree a switch to the Oporto outfit.
Madrid, 5/1 to win the Champions League next term, are keen to offload their veteran number one in order to make room for the hopeful arrival of De Gea, in the hope he can join Keylor Navas in competing for the starting spot next season.
Casillas’ agent Carlo Cutropia recently outlined his client’s desire to depart, with Porto an attractive option after serving his current club since 1999, making over an incredible 700 outings.
“Casillas is pretty excited about the opportunity to join Porto,” said Cutropia. “We hope Real Madrid will allow him to move on and give him an easy exit.”
After more than 15 years of service at the Bernabeu, Casillas’ teammate Dani Carvajal has also hailed the World Cup winning goalkeeper’s potential switch to Portugal as a great move, following a turbulent two terms which have seen fans turn on their stopper.
“I repeat, I don’t need to get into that topic. I think it’s something you’d have to ask him,” Carvajal said. “I have an exceptional relationship with Casillas, and if he’s made that decision, I think it will be the best for him.”
If a high-profile deal does materialise, then Red Devils fans may begin to panic, despite Real target De Gea currently enjoying pre-season with Louis van Gaal’s side ahead of next season, when they will make a welcomed return to European football (20/1 to win Champions League).
Casillas has guided Madrid to unbelievable silverware success during his cemented position between the Bernabeu sticks, but a steady decline in form has saw De Gea become the club’s ideal replacement, but such a transfer saga looks to continue throughout this summer.
