Leeds United goalkeeper Kiko Casilla’s performances on the pitch show how costly he is off it

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One of the opinions amongst the Leeds United fanbase at present, regarding the club’s mixed recent form, is that goalkeeper Kiko Casilla is costing them points. 

The Spaniard is undoubtedly an asset to the team for his ability with his feet and sweeper tendencies. However, he is also weak from crosses and has recently struggled to demonstrate the shot-stopping ability necessary for a title-chasing side. 

For many Leeds fans, it feels like it is time for French loanee Ilan Meslier to get a chance, after he impressed in a recent FA Cup tie with Arsenal. 

But it is not only on the pitch that Casilla is costing Leeds. Off the pitch, he is quite literally costing them. 

Leeds are somewhat hamstrung by the Financial Fair Play regulations now in place. They have had to sell talented players like Ronaldo Vieira, Bailey Peacock-Farrell, Kemar Roofe and Jack Clarke in recent times to balance the books. 

One of the key reasons is the club’s wage bill, of which Casilla, is the highest earner. Famed Leeds United journalist Phil Hay, formerly of the YEP and now The Athletic, told the Inside Elland Road podcast last summer that Casilla is earning around £35,000-a-week in West Yorkshire. Considering he is a one-time Spanish international, formerly of Real Madrid, that makes sense.

But it also puts considerable strain on Leeds’ abilities in the transfer market, a strain that has seen fans frustrated at the club’s activity at times. 

It was also, as reported by The Sun (26/05/2019; pg 69) and Phil Hay in May, a reason why Leeds were open to offers for Casilla. 

Leeds are running a tight ship under Andrea Radrizzani and the fact their highest-earner is not performing at his optimum level is a major concern. The club might have been better off finding Casilla a new home in the summer and employing a younger, cheaper, option in goal allowing breathing room in the salary for other recruits of a higher-calibre. 

As long as Casilla is performing at the level his wages suggest, then Leeds should be happy. But the fact he isn’t, just means he is as costly off the pitch as he currently is on it.