THIBAUT COURTOIS will reportedly run his contract down at Chelsea, before moving to Real Madrid on a free transfer next year.
The 25-year-old goalkeeper is tied down at Stamford Bridge until 2019, and is believed to have no intention of extending his stay with the West London club.
According to Spanish radio station Onda Cero, the Belgian international has told the club he is only prepared to stay for a further campaign, as a switch to Madrid edges closer.
Blues owner Roman Abramovich must now decide whether to cash in on the two-time Premier League winner, or run the risk of losing him for nothing.
Courtois spent three seasons on loan at Atletico Madrid between 2011-2014, establishing himself as one of La Liga’s standout shot-stoppers.
The 54-capped international is understood to be keen on a move back to Spain to be closer with his children.
Speaking to VTM Stadion in December, Courtois said: “I love my children to death. When you miss them, you are sometimes wondering – shouldn’t I play in Spain in the next few years?
“That’s why I want to take my time to make a decision on that contract extension.”
SWAP UP TOP Edinson Cavani wanted by Blues as Juventus eye £43m Alvaro Morata deal
SunSport revealed yesterday that the ex-Genk ace pines for a move to Madrid, with Courtois confident a transfer to Los Blancos will materialise in the near future.
Since dislodging Petr Cech as Chelsea’s number one, he has featured more than 150 times for the FA Cup finalists, including 43 matches this season in all competitions.
Leave a comment