The deal had been looming for several weeks, arguably even months, and now it’s ultimately happened.
After joining in 2011, spending three years on loan at Atletico, and then the last four years being Chelsea’s first choice in goal, the 26-year-old has finally gotten his dream move of returning to Madrid to be close with his family, including two young children. (At the same time, he’s due a wage rise with Real Madrid on a reported 6-year deal, so that’s not bad either.)
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.https://t.co/WXhHzEdf6D
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 8, 2018
Courtois’ move is still subject to a medical and an agreement over personal terms, though one can be pretty sure that those won’t represent a big problem as Madrid and Thibaut had reportedly already agreed on them some time before. In fact, a presentation has already been scheduled for Thursday at the Bernabeu.
The fee is rumoured to be around €35-40 million and that money will have presumably already been spent on the release clause of imminent signing Kepa Arrizabalaga. Once Courtois’s deal is finalized, Kovacic will join Chelsea on loan.
Despite having won overall four trophies, Courtois’ legacy at Chelsea leaves a somewhat sour taste, due to his quite vocal approach by continuously flirting with a move to Madrid.
Good luck, Thibaut, you’re going to need it.
Then again, good riddance.