Real Madrid has landed their Summer star target Thibaut Courtois from Chelsea.
The Belgian goalkeeper has signed a Six-year contract with the UEFA Champions League champions after a protracted speculation over his future. The goalkeeper is expected to be presented to the media today as Madrid announced.
“After the medical, that will take place on Thursday 9 August, the player will be presented at 1 pm 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.” Madrid statement read.
His signing may officially end Madrid interest in Manchester United number one goalkeeper David De Gea. Courtois is not new to La Liga having spent a loan stint at arch-rivals Atletico Madrid from 2011-2014.
“The Golden Glove from the last World Cup signs for the Champions League champions after his impressive performance in Russia,” added Madrid in a statement. His saves were decisive as Belgium finished in a historical third position which saw him chosen as the best goalkeeper of the tournament.
“At 26 years of age, Courtois has already gained extensive experience in European football. He has won the league in Spain, England, and Belgium and stands tall at almost two meters high (1.99m) and his ability between the sticks. He came through the youth categories at Genk, he made his debut with the first team in the 2008/09 season and settled there for two seasons.” Madrid statement continued to read.
Courtois graduated through the youth system of Genk, and aged 18, he played a key role in the team’s Belgian Pro League victory. In July 2011 he joined Chelsea for a reported £8 million, and was immediately loaned to Atlético Madrid. In three seasons there, he won the Europa League in 2012, the Copa del Rey in 2013 and the La Liga title in 2014. He also won the Ricardo Zamora Trophy for best goalkeeper in La Liga, for his performances in his two latter seasons. Courtois returned to Chelsea in July 2014, and in his first season he helped them win the League Cup and the Premier League title.
Courtois made his senior international debut in October 2011, becoming the youngest goalkeeper to represent Belgium. He has since earned over 50 caps and appeared at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, UEFA Euro 2016 and the 2018 FIFA World Cup where he was awarded the Golden Glove as best goalkeeper of the tournament.
Courtois played every minute during Belgium’s first eight games of their UEFA Euro 2016 qualification campaign, helping seal qualification for the first time in 16 years. However, he missed their last two games through injury.
Courtois and his side made it to the quarter-final, where they lost to Wales despite taking an early lead. Afterwards, Courtois hinted that Belgium coach Marc Wilmots was at fault for the loss and also stated that the defeat was the “biggest disappointment” of his career.
Courtois making a save during the quarter-final match v Brazil; which Belgium won 2–1, on 6 July 2018.
Courtois was selected to Belgium’s final 23-man squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.He was Belgium’s first-choice goalkeeper throughout the tournament, and played a key role in Belgium’s 2–1 win over Brazil in the quarter-final, which saw Belgium advance to the semi-finals of the tournament for the first time since 1986. He posted two clean sheets in the group stage (against Panama and England), allowed only one goal in Belgium’s loss to eventual champion France in the semi-final, and posted another clean sheet against England in the 3rd place game. Courtois made 27 saves in seven World Cup games, more than any other goalkeeper. He was awarded the Golden Glove as best goalkeeper of the tournament
