La Liga
Official: Courtois Joins Madrid
The Belgian shot stopper joins the European Champions for an unknown fee with Chelsea agreeing to sign Kepa from Athletic Bilbao. A deal which would break the goalkeeper transfer record recently set by Liverpool.
The Courtois to Madrid deal includes a season long loan of Croatian midfielder Mateo Kovacic to the Blues. Real Madrid were determined to sign the Chelsea pair of Courtois and his fellow Belgian Eden Hazard. The midfielder is also keen on moving to Spain. However, the London based club would not let their star players leave.
Incidentally, Courtois refused to train effectually forcing a transfer to the whites. Now, the 26-year-old will join up with Los Blancos in Madrid who are fresh off their USA pre-season tour. Many believe the Belgian international has more to offer than the club’s current number one Keylor Navas.
All attention now turns to the Costa Rican who is reliable in goal for Madrid despite never gaining the respect of the club. The 31-year-old is almost certain to have a few offers for helping his club to three Champions League titles.
Currently, Madrid coach Lopetegui has at his disposal Courtois, Navas, Casilla, Luca and Lunin. Ultimately, three should remain at the start of the season. Young Andriy Lunin should go out on loan and Navas most likely transferring to the highest bidder.
