Smyth reveals Leeds transfer development now "seems likely", supporters surely buzzing - opinion

Graham Smyth has dropped an update on the future of Leeds United goalkeeper Kiko Casilla.

In a recent post on Twitter, the Yorkshire Evening Post’s chief football writer revealed that he would be incredibly shocked if the 35-year-old were to rejoin Jesse Marsch’s first-team squad ahead of the upcoming Premier League campaign, despite the former Spain international still having one year remaining on his current contract at Elland Road.

The journalist added that it would appear likely that Victor Orta will look to offload the one-time Real Madrid stopper on another loan deal, a permanent transfer or by mutually terminating his contract by agreeing a settlement for his remaining pay owed, with the latter appearing the most probable outcome.

In response to a supporter asking for an update on Castilla’s future, Smyth replied: “I will be stunned if he returns. Loan, permanent or settlement. Latter seems likely.”

Leeds very much seem to have moved on from Casilla over the last two years, with Illan Meslier emerging as the Whites’ undisputed number one in the absence of the 35-year-old.

With the club also signing 21-year-old Kristoffer Klaesson on a four-year deal last July, it now seems evident that the Spaniard is surplus to requirements at Elland Road.

In truth, Casilla’s career in LS11 was done a little over two years ago, when an independent Football Association regulatory commission found him guilty of racially abusing then-Charlton Athletic forward Jonathan Leko in September 2019, with the £630k-rated stopper being handed an eight-match ban.

Indeed, since this incident, the veteran went on to make just six more first-team appearances for the Whites, before being sent out on loan to Elche in the summer of 2021.

Furthermore