Over the years, Thibaut Courtois has been a wall in the Real Madrid goal, churning out one clutch performance after the other, playing an integral part in the success that they have achieved.
Courtois, though, will be turning 34 years old in a few months and his contract with Real Madrid stands to expire in a little over a year.
Real Madrid worried about future post-Courtois
As such, journalist Jorge C Picon reports that Real Madrid are starting to get worried about life after Courtois, who has been an ‘untouchable’ in the team for years now.
With a contract running until 2027, Los Blancos believe that they have the world’s best goalkeeper at least for one more season.
However, with his age, the Belgian international is starting to feel the physical strain that comes with his position, worsened by problems due to his knee injuries.
As such, those at Valdebebas see Courtois’ time quite closer to ending than they would like. There has been some nervousness about the situation ever since the 33-year-old turned down a two-year contract offer to renew until 2028 and only opted to extend until 2027.
Replacements being scouted
Real Madrid like Bart Verbruggen. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Given the situation, Real Madrid are already scouring the market for possible replacements for Courtois for the future.
Andriy Lunin has done well as backup, but his future at the club is uncertain in itself. Youngster Fran Gonzalez has potential but lacks experience at the top level.
As such, Real Madrid are looking at options outside the club, with Borussia Dortmund star Gregor Kobel and Brighton & Hove Albion’s Bart Verbruggen being two options that the Spanish giants really like.
They had previously sought players like Giorgi Mamardashvili and Joan Garcia, now at Liverpool and Barcelona, respectively. Now, though, Kobel and Verbruggen are held in high regard as possible options for the future.
However, there is no rush to make a move at this point as they wish to wait for Courtois’ decision, while they also believe that top-level goalkeepers will continue to emerge in the market.