Real Madrid have finally managed to land their long term target Thibaut Courtois.
Real Madrid and Chelsea have officially announced the agreement that they have reached over the transfer of Thibaut Courtois. The 26 year old’s move to Madrid looked imminent as this week started.
The Golden Glove winner from Russia reported to training this Monday after an extended break following his exploits at the World Cup. Immediately post his arrival in London at Chelsea’s Cobham Training Facility, the goalie notified Maurizio Sarri about his desire to leave the club.
A drawn-out saga.
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Real Madrid had Thibaut Courtois on their radars since a long time and have now officially announced his signing now. A statement on Madrid’s website read- “Real Madrid C.F. and Chelsea F.C. have agreed the transfer of Thibaut Courtois, who has signed for the club for the next six seasons.”
After the medical that will take place tomorrow, Thursday 9 August, the player will be presented at 1pm in the presidential box at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium.
Subsequently, Courtois will go out on the pitch at the Santiago Bernabéu for the first time wearing the Real Madrid C.F. jersey and will speak to the media in the press room.”
Chelsea signed the Belgian on a bargained fee of just €8 million from his national club Genk in 2011. He was then loaned out to Atletico Madrid where he became a star in three years. Under Diego Simeone’s orders, Courtois emerged as one of the world’s best goalkeepers. In his three years with Atleti, he managed to win some silverware before heading back to Chelsea.
In west London, he had a memorable time of four years. During that spell, he won several trophies including 2 Premier League titles and 2 Golden Gloves. In his 154 appearances under Mourinho, Hiddink and Conte, the new Madrid signing also managed to win an FA Cup and EFL Cup title.
In summer 2018, he went AWOL and made his desire about leaving Chelsea clear. Not only was Courtois wanting a new challenge in his career, but a reunion with his family. He stayed separately from his daughters and fiancée for four years and was desperate to return to Madrid.
With just one year left on his Chelsea contract, the former Atletico Madrid keeper has joined the club for a rumoured transfer fee of €35 million. As part of the agreement, Mateo Kovacic will join Chelsea on a one year loan.