According to The Sun, Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is looking to run down his contract in a quest to open a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid. The Belgian international has 18 months left on his current contract and the Blues are interested in extending his stay at Stamford Bridge with a two-year renewal but the only sting is on the same wages that he currently earns.
Real Madrid’s transfer ban will be lifted at the end of next season and they could begin talks with Courtois in January 2018 over a pre-contract. Besides losing his services, letting him go for free would be devastating, considering his quality and age. Also, the Spanish League is no new podium for the 24-year-old as he previously excelled for three years at Atletico Madrid under Diego Simeone before sealing a move to London.
The La Liga outfit previously showed interest in Manchester United’s goal guardian David De Gea yet endless talks did not turn fruitful and the Spaniard is no longer showing any hints of displeasure at the Manchester club.
Thibaut Courtois has been an influential piece in Conte’s puzzle this season, starting all 13 matches. Despite a shaky start, he has already bagged 7 clean sheets, 6 in the last 7 matches. No doubt, the three-man backline strategy has hit a purple patch, sublimely shielding him and the posts and most importantly, placing the Blues on the roof of the league.
If he does leave the club, hopefully with a lofty fee chained along, Conte does have Asmir Begovic at his disposal. The former Stoke City goalkeeper is no longer the first choice yet is capable of filling the void if needed, considering his Premier League experience. Not forgetting, a few weeks ago, reports swirled around that Conte is eyeing a move for his fellow compatriot Gianluigi Donnarumma from AC Milan. Despite the tender age of 17, he has been the Italian club’s prized asset, thus he won’t come cheap.
The main question is why the 24-year-old would want to leave the club? Chelsea are storming with 7 wins in a row, which includes Saturday’s London Derby victory over Tottenham Hotspur. Earning a spot in the starting eleven under Conte’s management is no easy feat which thankfully Courtois does not even need to think about. Another dead giveaway that he and manager are in good terms is his recent interview after the Spurs match where he sang praises about his boss.
“We found the strength inside the team and the changes of the manager helped us win the game.
“He’s like that every session.
“When we do tactics he’s very passionate and demands.
“He keeps the team sharp,” said the Chelsea goalkeeper.
In an overall picture, the chances of the rumour to turn real are pretty slim yet twists and turns are tailor-made in modern transfer activities. Aforementioned, De Gea’s previous situation is the best example.
Regardless the talks, Thibaut Courtois is expected to start in goal when Chelsea are on the road to the Etihad Stadium to face another well-oiled title contender.