For Leeds United, well this season at least, the biggest coup transfer wise surely has to be convincing Real Madrid to part company with goalkeeper Kiko Casilla.
As high-profile captures go, landing Casilla is up there with any January window capture from the last transfer window. Seemingly unconvinced with Bailey Peacock-Farrell, the move for Casilla was, still, something out-of-the-blue.
His pedigree is beyond argument; he was Real’s #2 behind Keylar Navas before Los Blancos bought in former Chelsea stopper Thibualt Courtois in the summer.
Last season Casilla made a raft of La Liga appearances for the Spanish giants. He also notched up a number of Champions League appearances as well. These allowed him to claim a Winner’s medal, one of three that he has in his possession.
However, speaking in the programme for yesterday’s game (as per Phil Hay writing in the Yorkshire Evening Post), the Spaniard says that helping the Whites achieve promotion would top any of the Champions League experiences that he has.
“It would mean more than winning the Champions League. It’s the objective we have and this is why I am here. I want to help the team and help Leeds get back where they belong. To get this achievement for the centenary year of the club would be the perfect moment for me to go to the Premier League.” Kiko Casilla – Leeds United programme vs Bolton
Such words are often viewed very positively by Leeds United fans, and the case was no different here. This is how some Leeds United fans have reacted to Hay’s tweeted article.
Casilla says the right things – Leeds United fans respond
Because he’s actually playing and earning it, rather than watching his team mates win it from the bench and pick up a token medal.
— Jase (@Jase0909) February 24, 2019
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Great passion from a great guy @LUFC
— Karl Parker 💙💛 (@wortleyhawk) February 24, 2019
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What a man. Won us over
— 🇬🇧Paul Brace 💙💛🇬🇧 (@paulbrace66) February 24, 2019
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This is from a man whose done is all.This guy is 100%committed to our https://t.co/9syJEZh5eA you Kiko
— Ghanabeleeds💙💛 (@Ghanabeleeds) February 24, 2019
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He’s officially one of us. Great performance yesterday too. Commanding and decisive.
— Paul (@Paul78128311) February 24, 2019
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What an incredible statement to hear that from a player from Real Madrid.Doesnt take long to get the Leeds United bug does it.
— Barrie Worsnop (@gillroydmor) February 24, 2019
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Exactly!!!! I know that!!! 🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧💙💛💙💛
— Marta Parodi 💙💛 (@martitabaires) February 24, 2019
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I like him. I can see that he’s genuinely connecting with the fans. He was having some quality banter with the Kop end yesterday
— Ben Hope (@BenHopeAJBass) February 24, 2019
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Decided. First son will be named Kiko.
— Bielsista Dart (@Tiger_Dart) February 24, 2019
