Iker Casillas Transfer Rumors Are Back

With Lee Nguyen still locked up in Gillette Stadium’s cellar, the transfer rumor vine has been quiet for the Chicago Fire – until now. Spanish outlet Migrantes Del Balon claims that Porto’s Iker Casillas is still going to join the club during the Summer transfer window.

Like all transfer rumors, you must take them with a grain of salt. The following claims have not been verified by any us or any other outlet at the time of this publication.

Earlier this year it was reported that Casillas opted not to join with the Fire during the Winter transfer window because he wanted to see out the rest of his contract. And who could blame him? They are strong contenders for the league title and they are in the semi-finals for the Taca de Portugal. There is a potential double waiting for him at the end of the season.

But according to the folks over at Migrantes Del Balon, Casillas will be going stateside to join the Men in Red. It was noted that Qatar was also an option for the Real Madrid legend, but Casillas wanted to finish his career in the United States.

However, there is a catch to all of this. If Casillas gets an offer within Europe that will allow him to play in the Champions League, then he won’t be coming to beautiful Bridgeview.

Migrantes Del Balon did note something interesting involving this transfer saga. Once again, we cannot verify the following claim.

They stated, “El club decidió no firmar al delantero catalán Albert Ruiz con el objetivo de reservar esa plaza de jugador internacional a Iker Casilla,” which more or less translates to that the Fire didn’t sign Albert Ruiz (who was a trialist during the preseason) last week so they can reserve the international spot for Casillas.

This doesn’t make sense as the Fire is capped with their international slots. The last slot was given to Diego Campos when Johan Kappelhof got his Green Card. Someone has to go if Casillas does come. This whole transfer would only be doable if the Fire doesn’t extend Aleksander Katai’s loan or buy him. Another option would be acquiring an international slot from another team.

What do you think about all of this? Should the Fire chase after Casillas or go for someone else?