Real Madrid have completed a deal to sign Espanyol keeper Kiko Casilla, a move that can be seen as a major clue that Manchester United’s David De Gea will not be moving to the Bernabeu this summer.
Merengues legend Iker Casillas left the club at the weekend, completing a move to FC Porto.
The icon’s departure increased speculation that 24-year-old De Gea would complete his long-awaited move to the Spanish capital imminently, with the United No. 1 having been heavily linked with a return to his homeland recently.
Without a recognised first-choice keeper, Real had been expected to intensify their efforts to bring De Gea to the club.
However, earlier this week, the newspaper chatter concerning the player’s future changed direction, with speculation increasing that De Gea would be set to remain at United for another season, before moving to Real on a free next summer.
The Blancos’ signing of 28-year-old Casilla—who arrives on a five-year contract—can be seen as firm evidence that Real are planning to do without De Gea, at least for this campaign.
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The news may well prompt joy at United, with van Gaal now less likely to need to recruit a replacement for De Gea.
Now that they may be keeping hold of one of their key men, and adding him to their exciting new recruits, can United and their fans begin dreaming of the Premier League title?