Chicago Fire: Missing Iker Casillas a blessing for more than obvious
By Adnan Bašić
The Chicago Fire might have missed out on signing legendary Spanish goalkeeper, Iker Casillas, but that might be a blessing in disguise, and for more reasons than just the obvious.
The Chicago Fire have seemingly missed out on another transfer target. But this time, it might be for the best.
The club had been linked to legendary Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas throughout the past few offseasons. However, the keeper signed a contract extension at Porto, keeping him at the Portuguese club for the foreseeable future.
Related Story: New York Red Bulls Vs Atlanta United: 3 keys to 3 points
Some might feel the Fire have failed to bring in a big name once again, but losing out on Casillas might end up becoming a blessing in disguise.
More from MLS Multiplex
- Javier Milei Elected in Argentina: Potential Impacts on MLS and Signings of Argentine Players
- Orlando City and New York City FC in the Battle for Matías Arezo; Grêmio Enters Negotiations! Who Will Come Out on Top?
- USA, Honduras, Panama, and Canada Close in on a Spot in the 2024 Copa America
- De Gea Turns Down Al-Nassr’s Lucrative Offer: Speculation Points to Possible Reunion with Messi at Inter Miami
- Messi’s Magnetic Impact in the United States
A key reason why the Fire didn’t try harder to sign Casillas was the excessive wage demands of the player. If they wanted to bring in the Spaniard, it would have had to have been on a Designated Player contract. It is extremely rare to see a goalkeeper on a DP contract in MLS, with Tim Howard being the only example in the league’s history. There’s a reason for that. Goalkeepers have much less of an influence on the game than most other positions, so teams don’t usually prioritize the position. They’d rather find a reliable goalie for cheap than spend the big money to bring in someone with more quality.
As the Fire have not spent the money on Casillas, this allows them the freedom to throw the cash at a different target. As always, the Fire are linked with several big names, all of which would require a hefty paycheck. Fernando Torres has been the most prominent rumor, and his signing would guarantee Chicago a handful of goals this season. The Fire have needed an attacking midfielder ever since Cuauhtémoc Blanco left, and Bundesliga star Zlatko Junuzovic could be the perfect player to fill that gap in the lineup. Meanwhile, there have even been some whispers that have linked Japanese international Keisuke Honda to the club, who would bring plenty of talent and experience to the Windy City. Passing on Casillas now gives the Fire the chance to spend their money elsewhere.
Some also feel that the Fire no longer needed to sign Casillas due to the rise of Richard Sanchez. The Mexican joined Chicago at the end of last season, but had to begin his Fire career on the bench. He had to be patient but finally got his chance to start at the beginning of this year. Sanchez was shaky at first, making some errors that lead to the Fire conceding too many easy goals.
However, he has grown into the role and has been one of the better players for the men in red this season. He’s won the Man of the Match award on several occasions and has made plenty of big saves to help the Fire hold onto certain results. Sanchez will only continue to improve, as he only turned 24 this past April, and although he is still is not as good as Casillas, obviously, he will be able to be the Fire’s goalkeeper for much longer and much cheaper.
Next: Atlanta United Vs Chicago Fire: Player ratings
It is a bold decision by the Fire front office. They are betting on their ability to bring in a better player and hoping the current roster is able to get the job done until then. Time will tell whether or not Chicago has made the right call, but, for now, things look promising.