Should Newcastle United Fight Hard To Bring Iker Casillas To St James’ Park In January?
Newcastle United were seeking a new goalkeeper over the summer but they failed to make a new signing on that front. With the January window coming up, Rafa Benitez could make a new addition at the back. In fact, the Magpies are being linked with Iker Casillas. The legendary Spaniard is not receiving adequate minutes on the field at Porto, and a move to Benitez’s squad could be on the cards.
The Spanish manager worked with the shot-stopper for a brief time at Real Madrid. However, the move would be possible only if the proposed takeover happens soon. If that doesn’t happen, Newcastle are unlikely to have too much cash to spend in January. He may be 36 but Casillas is still likely to command high wages. However, do Newcastle really need a new goalkeeper in the form of Iker Casillas?
Considering Rob Elliot has been in such good form this season and the fact that they have Karl Darlow in reserve, you would think Casillas is an expensive luxury. But if Benitez wants a keeper that is experienced at the highest level, then there won’t be many better options for Newcastle, than Casillas.
The future potential takeover should give the Magpies more money to spend in the January transfer market, and bringing Casillas to St. James’ Park would certainly be a huge statement of intent from Benitez. It will be a signing that would excite the Newcastle faithful.
Apart from the experience, Casillas is truly world-class. After all, he was Real Madrid’s number one goalkeeper for so long. While things may not be going well for him at Porto right now, there is no doubt that he would be a huge upgrade on Elliot, despite how well the Republic of Ireland international has performed in the Premier League this season.
Having said that, it should also be noted that Liverpool are interested in a move for Casillas too. The need is certainly greater at Anfield, when one considers the many shortcomings of Simon Mignolet and Loris Karius in front of the goal. Hence, if Benitez were to make a move, he would have to be ready for a potential bidding war with the club – and the extent to which the Magpies open the purse strings will only depend on how quickly the takeover happens.
Thus, the whole situation is seeming like a question mark of sorts right now due to the financial aspect but if Newcastle can garner enough money, signing Casillas would certainly send out a strong message to their rivals.