Chelsea risk losing Thibaut Courtois for free if they do not grant his wish and accept Real Madrid’s “reasonable” offer, the goalkeeper’s agent has warned.
Courtois, 26, has one year remaining on his contract at Stamford Bridge but appears determined to leave before the transfer window closes.
The Belgian’s agent, Christophe Henrotay, has confirmed his client wants to join the European champions in order to be closer to his children, who live in Madrid.
Courtois previously spent three years at Atletico Madrid and now is ready to link up with their city rivals.
“For him this is a big decision because he wants to be near his family, and there is an offer in place for Chelsea to accept.
“We have seen suggestions that it is about money and it is true he could get an increase with a move. But he has turned down a better offer elsewhere because this is more than a financial decision.”
Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri admitted on Friday he was unsure if Courtois, who is yet to feature in pre-season, would return to the club he joined in 2014.
Henrotay is adamant Madrid’s bid represents fair compensation for the World Cup’s Golden Glove winner.
“Throughout this it has been important for everyone to be reasonable, and the buying club has come up with a reasonable offer for a player who has one year left on his contract when they know they could sign him without a fee in 12 months,” he said.
“Chelsea could get a fair fee for him now and sign a replacement. Or they would still have to sign a replacement next summer, but without getting a fee for Thibaut.”
Considered a highly promising prospect in his youth, Courtois subsequently established himself as one of the best players in the world in his position. Due to his wide range of skills, he has been described as a “complete goalkeeper”, with few weaknesses.A consistent keeper, he possesses an excellent positional sense, good mentality, composure, strength of character, and an ability to communicate well with his defenders; he also excels in one on one situations, due to his ability to time his runs effectively when rushing out of goal to face opponents.
An excellent shot-stopper between the posts, he has also distinguished himself for his agility and quick reflexes, in spite of his size and imposing physique. Due to his height and reach, he excels in the air, and is also known for his command of his area, as well as his excellent technique, anticipation, handling, and confidence when coming off his line to claim crosses.