The subject of Gianluigi Buffon's future in football keeps making headlines. Despite his age (he turned 41 in January), the Italiam shot-stopper has attracted interest from several clubs, including Lazio, Genoa and even his first professional club, Parma, which seems to be in pole position to sign the goalie. However, a request from a friend could see Buffon having a change of heart and head to Portugual.
Buffon's close friend Iker Casillas is set to hang his gloves this year after suffering a heart attack last month. The Spaniard was forced to miss Porto's last two games of the 2018-19 Primeira Liga season, and even if he still has one year left in his deal with the Dragons, the team's medical staff may have asked him to put an end to his illustrious career.
With that in mind, Casillas has asked Buffon to fill his void, considering that he would arrive to the Portuguese titans on a free transfer, following the end of his deal with PSG, according to a report by Tuttosport.
Buffon's stint at PSG did not have a positive ending, since the Italian shot-stopper had to share the net with Alphonse Areola. He was always first-choice in UEFA Champions League games, but Les Parisiens' run in the tournament concluded in the Round of 16.
Porto has shown interest in signing Real Madrid goalie Keylor Navas, but the Costa Rican shot-stopper does not seem interested in joining the Dragons. His wage was also a problem, as reports in Spain suggest that Navas wants a bit over $7M yearly.
With Navas' option being a long-shot, the possibility of luring Buffon to the Portuguese top flight seems to be an interesting opportunity, especially since the Dragons have a chance to qualify to the 2019-20 UEFA Champions League, something that he will not enjoy with any of his possible Serie A clubs.
