Real Madrid have been rumored to replace Keylor Navas for some time now, this could finally be it as the club makes an off for Thibaut Courtois, here are the details.
Every summer over the past few seasons, rumors about Keylor Navas’ departure circulate around the rumor mill. While Navas has been wonderful for Real Madrid, Florentino Perez has sought a replacement. Thibaut has had quite the career and knows Real Madrid well having been on the losing side in the Champions League Final. Now, he might dawn the white kit.
Thibaut started off his professional career in his country Belgium, with club KRC Genk in 2007. Starting off from the youth ranks Thibaut worked his way up into the first team in 2009. London based club Chelsea took notice of his talent and signed him in July of 2011. He was then sent on loan to Atletico Madrid for a couple of seasons before returning back to the Blues.
"All options are open for me, I may also stay at Chelsea."
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) July 16, 2018
Thibaut Courtois says he is prepared to run down his contract at Chelsea and that "all options are open" to him amid uncertainty over his future.
Read here: https://t.co/GV9Kn7cVQA pic.twitter.com/3vIHfHkCeX
No doubt Courtois is a world-class goalkeeper and staying at Chelsea may not be what is best for him. Chelsea failed to finish in the top four of the Premier League and as a result will not be eligible for Champions League football. A keeper of his caliber should surely be chasing for more than just an FA Cup title.
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Courtois is in contract with Chelsea until next summer and no word of an extension has come to surface. For that reason alone it would be wise of Chelsea to cash out now rather than letting him go for free. Real Madrid is said to be sending out at €35 million offer for the keeper.
Thibaut hasn’t explicitly expressed his desire to leave but sources close to the keeper have suggested so. In addition, the Courtois family stayed in Madrid and did not move back to London. Being close to his loved ones would also make the life of being a footballer that much easier.
Singing the 26-year-old keeper would be great for Real Madrid as goalkeepers have greater longevity than outfield players. This would be a great long-term solution for the club, who wouldn’t need to worry about another keeper for five years minimum.
adidas Golden Glove Award:
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 15, 2018
🥇Thibaut COURTOIS (#BEL) #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/S5xB7RBBdP
Chelsea won’t let go of their keeper easily though as there is also a risk of losing Hazard. Thibaut has stated that the two come as a package deal. Courtois’ Belgium finished third in the 2018 World Cup in part due to his top class performances. His excellent form also earned him the Golden Glove Award.
Florentino Perez, please make sure the fax machine is working this time.