Thibaut Courtois gives Chelsea final ultimatum

Thibaut Courtois’ performances at the World Cup have been enough to secure a move or more money. That is, according to the man himself.

Outspoken Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is hitting the headlines once more. Seemingly the Belgian cannot help himself. Player power is a phrase which Chairmen dread most. A risky move – especially at Stamford Bridge. Although it worked at Leicester City for Riyad Mahrez, eventually.

Since criticising England’s Jordan Pickford, the Blues’ man returned again to give writers more candid quotes. This time regarding his prowess. Courtois is a top-five global ‘keeper. However his displays diminished slightly during the past one or two seasons domestically.

His World Cup performances were consistent, despite one bizarre error versus Japan. Three clean sheets in seven fixtures is not necessarily Golden Glove form. Yet the enormous Belgian’s six-foot-six frame is imposing itself again.

Rather than criticising his fellow stoppers in the media once more; in this instance, personal glorification prevailed. The 26-year-old talked of possible transfers in a similar fashion to his international captain Eden Hazard. Soon after Hazard stated his time at Chelsea may come to an end, his teammate indicated further: ‘Wherever I go, Eden must come along.’ Madrid will absolutely be monitoring that.

Stating publicly means ramifications. At the post-match press conference, Courtois confirmed desire for an improvement on his reported £140,000-a-week salary. His current deal has a year remaining – the Blues will not want to lose him for free next summer. Expect a switch or new deal imminently.

Maurizio Sarri’s choice

Telegraph suggest that Chelsea, along with new manager Maurizio Sarri, are willing to ‘cut their losses on Courtois’. Some expect Brazilian Alisson to replace his Belgian counterpart. It is also speculated that Sarri’s preference is the current Roma stopper.

After beating England two-nil and claiming third place at the 2018 World Cup, the Chelsea ‘keeper self proclaimed increased value. Because he’s allegedly worth more than the previously rejected £200,000-a-week offered by the Pensioners, the former Genk star said this:

"“I will be coming back, for sure, and I will see what they [Chelsea] want [to do] and how they say it. Obviously with this World Cup, I think what was on the table [previous new contract offer] obviously is different [less] than what I can have, maybe.” – Thibaut Courtois (Via: The Guardian)"

I’ll translate incase any reader is not fluent in football player dialect: ‘I didn’t sign the new deal because I knew playing well at the World Cup would get me an improved one. Or I’ll force a big money move to Spain.’ Although to be fair to him, Courtois told all he is happy in London.

Bleacher Report seem to advocate an imminent departure.

Ultimately I see Courtois becoming Madrid’s first choice goalkeeper. His talent and goal-filling size is intimidating. Particularly if form from 15/16 is reproduced.

Next: Mahrez deal benefits LCFC most

Do you believe Courtois is impeccably skilled enough to be considered as a potential los Blancos No.1?