Juventus and Newcastle United are reportedly keen on signing Thibaut Courtois from Real Madrid next summer.
According to a report by Catalan outlet El Nacional, Juventus and Newcastle United are looking to prise Thibaut Courtois away from Real Madrid. The Belgian goalkeeper is not entirely committed to the Spanish giants and could consider moving away from the Santiago Bernabeu if a suitor offers lucrative terms and an attractive project.
Courtois joined Real Madrid from Chelsea in August 2018 and has since cemented his status as one of the best goalkeepers in the world. A key figure for Los Blancos, the 29-year-old has been among the most consistent performers for the club even when they have experienced periods of lull.
To date, the Belgian international has made 149 appearances for Real Madrid, keeping 59 clean sheets in the process. However, doubts are starting to emerge in Courtois’s camp about Real Madrid’s viability of being UEFA Champions League contenders. So, he is weighing up his long-term future at the Santiago Bernabeu, with Juventus and Newcastle United interested in him.
The interest from Juventus is understandable, considering Wojciech Szczesny has experienced a significant dip in performance levels lately. Such a situation has prompted the Bianconeri to scour the transfer market for goalkeepers, with Kepa Arrizabalaga, who coincidentally replaced Courtois at Chelsea following his move to Real Madrid, one of their targets.
On the other hand, Newcastle United’s takeover by the Public Investment Fund has created a sense of anticipation around St. James’ Park, with a squad overhaul on the cards. Almost every position in the side is set to be reinforced in due course, and as far as the goalkeeping department goes, Sam Johnstone is among the shot-stoppers linked with the Magpies.
Juventus and Newcastle United are also facing stiff competition from Bayern Munich in pursuit of Courtois, with the Real Madrid ace recently emerging as a target to succeed Manuel Neuer. As per the report, the 29-year-old will consider lucrative offers if the suitors present attractive projects.
With Real Madrid not being close to contending for the UEFA Champions League, Courtois is somewhat disillusioned at the Santiago Bernabeu. With that being the case, it remains to be seen if Juventus, Bayern Munich or Newcastle United can swoop the Belgian ace away from Real Madrid, although Bayern might be the only club good enough to land him, considering their European pedigree.
