The Guardian reports that Chelsea keeper Thibaut Courtois wants to leave the club before the transfer window closes this month, as the Belgian has failed to report for pre-season training.
The report adds that Courtois was expected to join the rest of the Chelsea side on Monday with Eden Hazard in tow. However, the keeper has remained in Belgium, possibly awaiting news of a possible move to Real Madrid.
Courtois has entered the final 12 months of his contract at Chelsea and there has been no headway in him extending his stay at the club, according to the Guardian. The report further adds that Real have submitted a bid of £35m for the 26-year-old keeper.
The English transfer window closes on 9th August, however, Chelsea can still sell the Belgian keeper until the end of the month, since that’s when the Spanish transfer window will close.
Chelsea had, in fact, expected Courtois to join Gary Cahill in the stands when the team played in the Community Shield against Manchester City, according to the Guardian.
This does seem to be a really messy situation for us and our fellow fans had their say on Twitter.
Don’t sell him. And fine him every time he doesn’t report to training.
— Matt T (@Tweddds) August 7, 2018
No question about it Courtois is and has been a great keeper for us however….. If we knew down the line this would happen I’d have happily let him go in 2014 and kept Cech until he was ready to be replaced. Feel short changed now, we’ve had to watch Cech at arsenal for what???
— Carl Jackson (@jacko_cfc) August 7, 2018
People still getting hyped over Chelsea rumors?
We’ll sell Courtois and buy Butland, nothing more. #ManageExpectations #CFC
— CFC Babble (@CFCbabble) August 6, 2018
Stay away from my club pic.twitter.com/R7GYXCSXRw
— hzzzjyy (@hzzzjyy) August 6, 2018
This whole Courtois saga has been farcical. If he spoke to the club explaining he wants to be with his family then I wouldn’t have an issue. But don’t toy over a new deal, and leave the club in the dark, then not return to pre-season, that’s bang out of order. #CFC
— Matthew Debono (@mattdebonosport) August 6, 2018
BREAKING: #COURTOIS has been Found in Cobham right now.#CFC #Chelsea pic.twitter.com/2MbT4KGlv6
— Pablo (@SarriChelsea10) August 6, 2018
And you wonder why nobody wants to stay. Courtois is asking out and we’re making Butland our number one target! This club has zero ambition
— sarrismo (@_cfcHQ) August 6, 2018
Michy back training hard✅
Kanté back smiling✅
Hazard in good shape✅Courtois? Snaking the club that made him as a top flight goalkeeper.#CFC pic.twitter.com/pIEZB2cTow
— ᴺᴷ7 (@NGoloFC) August 6, 2018
On Courtois, Take the money and get rid. Or better still let him rot for a year. He’s not all that he thinks he is either. Couldn’t keep his legs closed in the Nou Camp the slapper. #cfc
— Jack Hartley (@JackHartley93) August 6, 2018
Read more: “I never said that I want to leave” – Chelsea star rubbishes transfer rumours after talks with Sarri