Iker Casillas is very close to becoming Porto’s new goalkeeper. In the last few hours, negotiations have intensified and the agents who are acting on behalf of the Real Madrid captain are in the Portuguese city of Oporto to meet with representatives of the O Dragao club in order to reach a definitive agreement. The crucial meeting between the two parties will take place on Wednesday night.
The biggest differences continue to concern what the goalkeeper must give up in order to finalise his settlement with Real Madrid. His annual salary (gross) is €13m. Porto are willing to pay him up to €5m a year and Madrid could put up a similar amount, but that requires the goalkeeper to give up part of the salary he has already signed up for.
The idea is that Casillas will become a new Porto player before 5pm on Thursday to prevent the Móstoles-born goalkeeper from having to present himself with Real Madrid and incorporate himself into the club’s first training session under new coach Rafa Benítez. In addition, Porto want Casillas to be part of Julen Lopetegui’s travelling party in Holland from Friday onwards.
Real Madrid’s idea is to hold a big farewell tribute to recognise his 25 years at the club (16 seasons in the first team) once the agreement to sell him has been finalised. During his time at Real Madrid he has played more than 500 La Liga matches and he has won more matches in Spain’s top flight than any other player.