The former Spain and Real Madrid Iker Casillas has appeared on the radar as a target for Newcastle United, but would he be a goo signing? We weigh up the pros and cons.
Portuguese paper Jornal de Noticas’ is reporting that Newcastle are among a group of Premier League clubs that want Casiller. It would definitely be a polarising move, with both qualities and drawbacks.
Pro: the prestige of signing a World Cup winner
Newcastle United are an enormous club in terms of reputation and fanbase. They have an entire city to themselves up in the football-mad north east and are a serious side.
Yet what is their standing, really? Yes, they have a lot of passionate fans, but do the media treat them as a giant? Do other teams? European sides? Not really. Signing Casillas gives Newcastle instant recognition on the world stage.
Con: he’s well past his best
There’s no point being nice about it: Iker Casillas is past his best. He’s nowhere near his best. If he was standing on the ground then his best is currently at the summit of Mount Everest.
Casillas obviously still has quality, but signing a player who is so obviously over the hill could backfire enormously.
Pro: he knows what it takes to win titles
As Tottenham Hotspur are finding out to their detriment, having talent is not enough to be a great side. You have to know how to win as well. How to keep your calm in the big moments and deliver.
Newcastle currently have no one like that. But Casillas? Casillas has won every single major title in World football with Spain and Real Madrid, and could be an incredible mentor for the rest of the side, teaching them how to becoming winners.
Con: Newcastle don’t need a goalkeeper
Newcastle United’s current goalkeepers are Rob Eliot and the recently recalled Karl Darlow. The latter played against Chelsea and despite conceding three goals actually played well while the former has played well for a long, long while.
Newcastle have real needs in their squad, goalkeeper isn’t one of them. Save the enormous wages you’d have to pay him and spend it on players that are actually needed.
Pro: he could draw other big names to the club
As Tottenham Hotspur are finding out to their detriment, having talent is not enough to be a great side. You have to know how to win as well. How to keep your calm in the big moments and deliver.
Newcastle currently have no one like that. But Casillas could be an incredible mentor for the rest of the side, teaching them how to becoming winners.
Con: at 36 years-old he’d be a short-term appointment
Even if Newcastle United decide to pony up and pay for Casillas’ wages, the simple fact is he’s 36 years-old. At most he will be able to give them one, maybe two years of service before needing or wanting to move on? Such a short-term appointment hugely impacts his ability to give anything sustainably positive to the club.
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