Real Madrid are ready to rekindle their interest in Thibaut Courtois, with the Belgian set to enter the final 12 months of his Chelsea contract.
According to The Mirror, Real Madrid are ready to make Thibaut Courtois their priority target for the goalkeeping position in the summer, with the Belgian yet to sign an extension. The Chelsea stopper’s contract is set to expire in the summer of 2019 and will be a vulnerable target, with his deal set to run into the final 12 months.
Real Madrid have always had an eye for Courtois and David De Gea. But, with the latter committing himself to Manchester United and Courtois stating that he would be staying at Chelsea beyond the summer, Los Blancos shifted their attention to AS Roma star Allison.
Real Madrid to make fresh push for Thibaut Courtois as unease grows over contract situation https://t.co/lQIutOSOEl pic.twitter.com/lVRST2w6nr
— Mirror Football (@MirrorFootball) May 14, 2018
But, Chelsea’s turbulent season might just open up the possibility of Courtois leaving in the summer. The Blues ended their title defence with a humiliating 3-0 defeat at Newcastle – a toothless display which all but confirmed rumours of Antonio Conte likely to part ways with the club in the summer.
And while Courtois had earlier hinted he would soon sign the dotted line, no Champions League football will be hard to digest for the Belgian, which could open the doors for a move. Even in a season as torrid as 2017-18, Courtois managed 15 clean sheets in the league and could have been a contender for the Golden Glove had he been fit throughout the campaign.
There were rumours of a new deal worth £200,000 basic wage per week being on the table for Courtois. But, the Belgian is yet to sign an extension and with an air of uncertainty surrounding Stamford Bridge, Chelsea could be about to lose their star goalkeeper.
Aside from the managerial uncertainty, it is the lack of Champions League football that will hurt Chelsea’s chances of retaining Courtois the most. Real Madrid will not only be able to offer Champions League football but would also see the Belgian return to the Spanish capital, something he had been gunning for a while.
While no fee has been mentioned in the report, it would take a considerable amount to convince Chelsea to part ways with Courtois. Although, with just 12 months left on the keeper’s contract, Chelsea’s hands could be tied and Real Madrid might be able to get the Belgian on a comparitively cheaper fee.
This looks like a deal that should happen unless the incoming manager convinces Courtois to stay put at Chelsea.
