Thibaut Courtois to Real Madrid
With the World Cup in the books, transfers around Europe are about to surge. Players running out of contract who can be had for less than market value will be in high demand. Thibaut Courtois, the 2018 World Cup Golden Glove winner as the best goalkeeper, belongs in this category. His contract with Chelsea expires in 12 months and he’s in no rush to sign a new one.
“I will go back and I will see what they want and how they say it”
The 26-year-old is at the prime of his career and according to latest reports, Real Madrid have made him their primary goalkeeper target after failing to acquire Manchester United’s David de Gea. If Courtois doesn’t agree to a new deal with Chelsea, then The Blues will be forced to sell in order to prevent losing him on a free transfer. He could be had for €35 million, which is much less than he’s worth and less than the other options Los Blancos are considering such as Roma’s Alisson Becker. Courtois’ family also leaves in Madrid (three-year loan spell with Atletico), another reason why he could be on the move.
Keylor Navas to Liverpool
The Belgian’s potential arrival could spell the end of Keylor Navas’ Real Madrid career. The Costa Rican hasn’t excelled since coming to Spain, but he has done enough to help his team win. Liverpool have been actively pursuing several goalkeepers, yet have come to terms with none of them. If Navas becomes available, it’s quite possible Jurgen Klopp goes after him. Former goalkeeper Shaka Hislop, who works as a commentator for ESPN, believes something like this might happen.
“Real Madrid, by all accounts, have shifted their attention to Thibaut Courtois after being frustrated in the transfer market in trying to get David de Gea”
“If Courtois goes to Real Madrid, Keylor Navas is in play [for Liverpool] and you know how highly I think of Navas”
Navas may not be a top tier keeper, but he’s an improvement on Loris Karius.
Alisson Becker to Chelsea
If Courtois were to leave Stamford Bridge, Brazil’s and Roma’s No.1 Alisson Becker becomes an obvious choice for his replacement. Liverpool have been strongly linked with Becker ever since facing him in the Champions League semi-finals, but the €90 million price tag has scared them away (already spent €60 million on Naby Keita and €50 million on Fabinho).
Meanwhile, Chelsea were dealing with their coaching mess and just made their first signing (Jorginho) in what is expected to be a very busy summer for the London side. The money from Courtois’ move could be reinvested in order to lure Alisson away from Italy. Roma would prefer to keep the Brazilian, yet could sell him for the right price.
“He has the same chance of staying as all the other players we have not received any offers for.”
“If one arrives, we will study it and make a decision.”- Roma’s sporting director Monchi
