The Chelsea manager has commented on Thibaut Courtois’ future at the club, saying that it is upto the club and the player to decide.
Thibaut Courtois has been on Real Madrid’s radar for long now. The Whites are looking to add the Belgian to their roster. They were linked with a move for one of the Premier League’s goalies since the last few years.
While a move for De Gea failed due to a fax machine issue in the Spanish capital, Zidane had backed Keylor Navas during his two and a half year spell with Real Madrid. Julen Lopetegui’s appointment might signify the arrival of a major goalkeeper.
Despite Real Madrid’s long term interesting in landing Belgium’s shot stopper, many reports have suggested that Blues are set to force him to stay in London and obey his contract terms. Chelsea are not ready to sell the Belgian, more so after Real Madrid’s offer of just £31 million.
The six times Premier League champions lost out on Alisson Becker who joined Liverpool for £67 million. Their bids for Kevin Trapp, Jan Oblak and Jordan Pickford were rebuffed while Leicester City were not even ready to listen to offers for Kasper Schmeichel. Chelsea have exhausted all their options of a replacement and will ask Courtois to stay.
Thibaut Courtois has been vocal about his desire to return to Madrid. His family and friends reside in Spain’s capital where he spent three years with Atletico Madrid. The 26 year old also feels the time is correct to taste a new challenge after four years in west London. The World Cup’s golden glove winner is currently holidaying having been given an extended off following the World Cup.
Maurizio Sarri has now spoken on Thibaut Courtois’ future at Chelsea. He insisted that he is unsure of his current position, and that he hopes the player would stay.
“At the moment Courtois is the goalkeeper of Chelsea. I don’t know in the future. It depends on the club, it depends especially on him, but I hope Courtois will be our goalkeeper,” said Sarri.
Sarri on Thibaut Courtois: ‘At the moment Courtois is the goalkeeper of Chelsea. I don’t know in the future. It depends on the club, it depends especially on him, but I hope Courtois will be our goalkeeper.’ #CommunityShield
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 3, 2018
In spite of rumours of Courtois staying, former Belgium coach Graeme Jones believes that the 26 year old will definitely be moving to the Santiago Bernabeu. Thibaut Courtois has just one year on his contract with Chelsea and is tipped to leave for free next season.
Taking advantage of this, Real Madrid were not willing to break the bank for him.
