Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is being pursued by Real Madrid, according to the Belgian international’s agent.
Speaking in an interview with Dutch magazine Sport/Voetbal (translated by the Express), Christophe Henrotay was quoted as saying:
“Courtois? I am always in contact with Real Madrid. Thibaut’s situation is under review at the moment so let’s see what will happen in the future. It’s clear that many clubs have interest in him including Real Madrid. “Courtois is a goalkeeper who makes you win multiple games and trophies.”
It’s not unusual for representatives of players to be in contact with other clubs, and Henrotay’s comments can be interpreted in two ways.
Firstly, this could be a genuine confirmation that he is talking to Real about a summer transfer. Secondly, and probably more likely if we also include Courtois’s most recent comments, he has made them to pressure Chelsea into offering a bigger contract.
The fact that he says that the Belgian’s “situation is under review” kind of gives away his motivation for making the comments. Contract talks with Chelsea are expected to start again this month, and any agent worth their salt will try to make it known that their client is interesting other clubs.
Certainly, there is cause for concern that Courtois would like to be closer to his children in Madrid, but the fact that contract talks will be held at all, suggests a move to Real is not cut and dry.