The arrival of the Belgian goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, to Real Madrid might be in jeopardy since Chelsea has decided not to resume talks until they find a proper replacement for their current goalie.
Courtois outstanding performance in the last World Cup earned him the Golden Glove Award (Best goalkeeper of the tournament), which raised the eyebrows of Los Merengues’ managers. Since then, the 26-year-old player has been linked with the current Champions League champions, who look for a replacement for their current veteran goalie – Keylor Navas.
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Everything seemed to indicate that the former Belgium goalkeeper was joining Real Madrid. He declared that after six years with Chelsea, it might be time for him to discover something different and that all options were open for him. Moreover, there is already a bond between the Belgian player and the city of Madrid. He played three seasons for Atlético Madrid, and this is where his family remains located. Besides, the English club reportedly has already received a $131 million offer for their current goalie, as reported by The Sun.
However, according to Sky Sports, the Premier League club have decided to put on hold the negotiations until they find Curtois’ substitute. The first name on their list is (or was) Jordan Pickford, who has just received a new improved contract offer to stay with his current team, the Everton. Therefore, the hopes of the Blues to find a suitable replacement for their goalkeeper fades out, with Madrid’s expected acquisition as well.
So basically, one of the biggest reinforcements of Real Madrid this summer hinges on whether the eighth place of the English league offers an appealing deal to its current keeper in order for him to stay or not.
Nevertheless, even when Los Blancos couldn't close the deal this offseason, they will only have to wait until next year to be able to get Thibaut Courtois, when his contract expires. At that point, the 13-time Champions League winners will be able to negotiate directly with him. Although not getting big names such as this World Cup Golden Glove for this season would represent a failure for Real Madrid after losing their biggest star, Cristiano Ronaldo.