Courtois to Leave Chelsea for Real Madrid

Premier League giants Chelsea have confirmed that they have agreed terms with Real Madrid for the sale of Thibaut Courtois. In this deal, Croatian midfielder Mateo Kovacic will join the Blues on a season-long loan.

According to a statement issued on the club website:

“We have tonight agreed terms with Real Madrid for the transfer of Thibaut Courtois, subject to the agreement of personal terms and a medical.

“As part of the deal, Mateo Kovacic will join Chelsea on a season-long loan.”

Los Blancos will reportedly shell out around €35 million as a transfer fee.

A Real Madrid statement 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.”

It is believed that the Belgian has always expressed a desire to return to the Spanish capital after leaving Atletico de Madrid. His plan was to let his contract with Chelsea expire, so the London-based club were forced to sell. Courtois only had a year left on his deal with the Blues.

With Courtois arriving at the Bernabeu, it is unclear if he will compete with Keylor Navas for a spot in the starting lineup. There are chances that Los Blancos could sell Navas if Courtois establishes himself as an undisputed starter.

However, what works in Navas’ favour is the fact that he won three Champions League titles while defending Madrid’s goal. He was instrumental in key saves in decisive games. So it could be possible that Madrid will retain both players and decide based on form.