Leeds United were linked with a surprise January move for Keiren Westwood before they signed Kiko Casilla.
When Leeds supporters consider the best goalkeeping performance that they have seen at Elland Road in 2019, it seems unlikely that a display from Kiko Casilla will come to mind.
In light of reports from the weekend, it appears that Casilla’s spell with the Whites is going to go down as a major disappointment with The Sun on Sunday (26/5; page 69) suggesting that the 32-year-old could return to Spain this summer with the Whites looking for replacements.
Casilla showed glimpses of his quality following his January switch, but the mix up with Liam Cooper in the play-off semi-final against Derby will go down as his defining moment if that proves to be his final appearance in a Leeds jersey.
And when Leeds fans do pick out the best display between the sticks at their own ground since the turn of the year, it is likely that plenty will actually mention Keiren Westwood’s outstanding performance when Sheffield Wednesday were beaten 1-0 in April.
Westwood made a number of incredible saves that stunned the Leeds supporters before Jack Harrison managed to find the back of the net during the second-half with a brilliant finish.
With the Owls looking to help their bitter rivals in the promotion race on that occasion, many supporters would have felt that it was typical that Westwood would produce such a remarkable string of stops – and it was also typical because the Wednesday goalkeeper had been linked with a move to Leeds before Casilla arrived.
The Daily Mirror (11/12/18; page 53) reported that Westwood was set to join Leeds on a free transfer having been frozen out under former boss Jos Luhukay.
Of course, Westwood returned to the starting lineup following Steve Bruce’s appointment and a move to Leeds would not take place. But the veteran is still out of contract this summer.
And while the Sheffield Star has reported that the Owls have offered Westwood a new deal, Leeds should still consider doing all they can to lure him away while there is seemingly a chance that he could leave.
The 34-year-old has been one of the best goalkeepers in the Championship over the last five years. He may be entering the twilight of his career, but he clearly still has a lot to offer.
It is easy to forget how good Rob Green was during his one year as Leeds’ first-choice stopper and how difficult the Whites have found it to replace the Englishman.
Westwood has the ability to succeed where the likes of Felix Wiedwald, Andy Lonergan and perhaps even Casilla struggled. If Leeds go back in for the Republic of Ireland international and get him signed, it could prove to be one of their biggest masterstrokes this summer.
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