Iker Casillas’ exit, should it materialize as Real Madrid plan, will certainly be one of the sagas of the summer. The chances of such move going ahead hinge on whether Manchester United will consent to let David de Gea return to the capital. Before they even consider allowing the 23-year-old to leave, they first will want to secure a replacement. The first keeper on their list is Jan Oblak but Atlético insist that he is not up for sale and would demand that United shell out 40 million euros – the player’s buy-out fee.
Once Louis van Gaal has found a substitute for de Gea, Real Madrid and United will need to reach an agreement for the keeper, who will be able to leave on free transfer next summer. United want between 30 and 40 million euros. If the operation goes ahead, Casillas, who is currently mulling over his future on holiday, would initiate his exit (on condition that Madrid pay him the 15 million euros net corresponding to the two years’ salary he would be owed under his contract). Five clubs are poised to make a bid for the Spain captain should he decide to move on.
Tottenham:
The Londoners signed Hugo Lloris two seasons ago for 12 million euros. Van Gaal would attempt to bring in the French keeper should United’s bid to sign Oblak fail. Casillas would like to live in London so a move to White Hart Lane is a viable option but not quite as enticing seeing as Spurs will be playing in the Europa League and not the Champions Leaguer next season.
Arsenal:
Casillas has long been on Arsène Wenger’s wishlist. The Gunners’ manager wanted to sign him last summer only for Madrid to deny the keeper the chance to move on a free (in the end it was Diego López who left to join AC Milan). Arsenal is a club which ticks all of the boxes for Casillas: a big club, in London and in the Champions League.
Roma:
Out of all of the clubs in Serie A, Roma have shown the most interest (always through contact with the player’s agent in Italy, Carlo Cutropía, not with Madrid). The main stumbling block is that they are unable to offer the keeper a salary in excess of three million euros net per annum. Madrid would have to compliment the remainder of his salary over the next two years.
Fenerbahçe:
The Turkish side finished as runners-up in the Süper Lig and have the necessary cash to take Casillas to Istanbul although as it stands, it’s not a destination which appeals to the Madrid captain, especially after the recent disturbances and the indecision of club officials. But like Arsenal, Fenerbahçe are in the Champions League next season.