Chelsea goalkeeper and Belgian international goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has voiced his interest in returning to the Spanish capital with his family still living in the city. Could he make a move to Real Madrid this summer?
Los Blancos’ hunt for a goalkeeper could end if they approach Chelsea to sign starting goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. The 25-year-old Blues keeper told the media Tuesday that he would love to return to playing in Spain, specifically in Madrid because his family currently resides in the capital.
In an interview with ‘Sports Foot Magazine’, Thibaut talked about the significance of Madrid and his desire to again return to the city.
“My personal situation is related to Madrid,” he said. “You know, my two children live there with their mother and I talk to my daughter every day on ‘Facetime.'”
While Real Madrid has not put in an offer for Courtois, his remarks could prompt them to make a move to sign the fantastic keeper. When asked specifically about Real Madrid, the keeper had this to say.
“If Real are really interested, my personal situation could affect things, yes. The family aspect is priceless. I understand the rumors, but I don’t pay much attention to that, I’m focussed on Chelsea. If Real Madrid wants me, they have to contact Chelsea, but they never have.”
Courtois spent three years with Atletico Madrid on loan from Chelsea and led the team to a Champions League Final in 2014 against Real Madrid.
Courtois is yet to sign a new contract with the London based club and seems determined to return to Madrid soon.
“The truth is that one day I will return to Madrid; I loved that city and spent three wonderful years there. When I left, I cried, and my first days in London were not easy: it was colder, more businesslike… Now I feel very much here. If the long-term is in Madrid, the short term is very much in west London.”
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Courtois would be a great addition to the Real Madrid squad and with Navas as a backup or fighting for a starting position against Courtois, Los Blancos could have one of the best goalkeeping setups in Europe.
I think this deal could happen within the next year and a half without a doubt. The only thing that could keep Thibaut at Chelsea is if Antonio Conte is still the manager come this summer and wants to keep Courtois as the man between the posts.
Real Madrid can only benefit from this situation thanks to Keylor Navas telling the board he wants to stay even if they sign another keeper and with Courtois citing personal reasons for wanting to go back to playing in Spain, there is literally nothing stopping Madrid from making this happen.
President Florentino Perez needs to start discussing terms with Chelsea as soon as possible before Courtois agrees to a contract extension or is tempted to move back to Atleti. However, that was not discussed in the interview and Thibaut has made no mention of the club specifically since his departure in the summer of 2014.
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Courtois concluded the interview saying, “There is no hurry, I have a contract until 2019 and normally there is no problem.”
“I am going to renew, I am happy here and I see the club still going in the direction of wanting to win many titles.”
So, whether it’s this summer or the next, Thibaut Courtois could be the goalkeeper Real Madrid has been craving for three plus years now.