At Stamford Bridge, the goalkeeper seemed unsettled and that’s the reason why he is returning to the Spanish capital, with a World Cup finalist moving the other way. Chelsea has officially confirmed the sale of Courtois to Real Madrid, and as part of the deal is Mateo Kovacic coming to Stamford Bridge. Since 2011 Courtois has been at the west London club, wresting Nb.1 jersey from club favorite Petr Cech after shining during a loan spell with Atletico Madrid as a youngster.
The Belgian in recent months has become increasingly unsettled going so far as to skip training. His return to the Spanish capital has been linked for some time, where he spent three sparkling seasons. After Madrid agreed to a reported 35m E fee he will now line up at the Champions League holders. For the same fee, Kovacic will spend a year on loan In London playing for Chelsea.
After confirming the deal Real Madrid revealed that the Belgian goalkeeper will put pen to a contract taking him up to the end of the 2023-24 season.
For Chelsea, Thibaut Courtois has played a total of 154 appearances and winning the Premier League on two occasions. Having made an identical number of appearances for Atletico Madrid he also boasts ample experience in Spain. It included a starring role in the Colchoneros 2013-14 Liga triumph.
Real Madrid is set to face Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup on August 15 so it won’t take long for Courtois to face his old club.