Newcastle United have been linked with a staggering deal for Spanish legend Iker Casillas in January.
Iker Casillas was, without doubt one of the best goalkeepers of his generation and one of the finest shot-stoppers the footballing world has ever seen. He’s won five La Liga titles, three Champions League’s, two European Champions and a World Cup to boot.
So you can see why Newcastle supporters may be getting a little giddy as Portuguese outlet Jornal de Noticias (3rd December, front page) claim that Casillas has been eyed up for a potential January move to St James’ Park.
But while Casillas would be the most high-profile, big-name signing Newcastle have made in many a year, does the romance of any potential deal overlook the fact that it simply does not make a whole lot of sense?
Yes, Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez, who worked with a young Casillas towards the start of his burgeoning Real career, wants an experienced number one in January and there are few with a more eye-catching CV than the Spanish legend.
But it will soon be six years since Casillas was controversially dropped by Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid and replaced between the sticks by Diego Lopez. Since that seminal moment, Casillas has not quite been the same and, at the age of 36, more and more mistakes are creeping into his game.
Unlike close friend and long-time adversary Gigi Buffon, Casillas has not exactly aged well. And he’s even lost his place in the Porto team this season to Jose Sa.
Furthermore, with The Chronicle reporting that Casillas would command wages of around £5 million a year, it makes little sense for Newcastle to splash out so much on someone whose best days are quite clearly behind them.
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