Newcastle linked with Porto’s Iker Casillas

After signing Martin Dubravka on loan this past transfer window, another keeper wouldn’t necessarily be on your mind. But Casillas, one of the biggest names at his position, has been linked with a move to Newcastle United. Should we be excited for this possible move?

Casillas is set to leave his current club this summer after making 77 league appearances for Porto since 2015. But this season Casillas has spent more time on the bench than in the starting eleven, which isn’t too encouraging. Although he has been getting the starts as of late (the past four games), Casillas’s value has certainly dropped since his stellar play at Real Madrid. But the Spaniard has made some great performances in his limited playing time this season, only conceding 6 times in 12 league matches.

This move is a little puzzling to me. Although I love Casillas, mostly for his play at Real Madrid and Spain, he has definitely lost his step. His value is now at 1 million pounds, 278th amongst all keepers in the world according to transfermarkt. That 1 million value is the lowest it has been his whole career; but it could be attributed towards his lack of playing time.

Another reason it may be puzzling is because of the players we already have at the goalkeeper position. Casillas just doesn’t seem to be an instant upgrade to the likes of Martin Dubravka (if he stays), Matz Sels, Freddie Woodman, Karl Darlow, or Rob Elliot. Sels and Woodman’s loan spells will end this summer giving Benitez options to either sell or loan out any of these keepers.

Casillas is also almost 37 years-old, past his best football. He clearly will not be any sort of long term solution for the Magpies which, to me, is another puzzling aspect. Age isn’t always a deal breaker at the keeper position, though. There are plenty of keepers who are north of 35 and can still put out great performances. I just don’t know if Casillas can follow that path of a Gigi Buffon or a Petr Cech.

But enough of the negativity towards Casillas. Let’s look at what the Spaniard can bring to the table! For starters, Iker Casillas is an absolute legend at the goalkeeper position. Most football fans know exactly who Casillas is and can picture his impressive stop on Arjen Robben in a Spain v Netherlands clash in the 2010 World Cup. His trophy case includes winning the World Cup, European Champion x2, and Champions League winner x3 amongst other impressive accolades. His presence in the locker room would match no other as he would automatically be the winningest player there. So... why not?

What do you think about this rumor? Excited? Impressed? Bothered? Let us know!