Real Madrid‘s future in goal is not entirely clear. Courtois has proven himself to be one of the most decisive goalkeepers in the world during his years with the team. However, since the serious injury he suffered last season, he has not been the same. He is still a reliable goalkeeper, but this year he has not been the savior he has been in other seasons. His big mistake in the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona, which led to Ferrán Torres’ equalizer when the team was on the verge of winning the title, has raised doubts about his renewal.
Courtois’ injury
The serious injury Courtois suffered last season was a turning point in the Belgian goalkeeper’s career. Until then, very few doubted that we were looking at one of the best goalkeepers in the history of soccer, and perhaps no one doubts that now. But there are doubts about his current performance. Last season, he had time to play the team’s last five games, including the Champions League final, but the context of the team was completely different. We are talking about a squad that was on course for the double, with much more confidence and with its work done, but this year, in the face of difficulties, several episodes have cast doubt on his performance.
This year, the goalkeeper has missed several games due to injury, and between the posts, he has not been the unbeatable goalkeeper of a few years ago. His level is not as high as it was before, and there are doubts at the Bernabéu that he can regain it.
Courtois’ renewal
Everything seemed to indicate that Courtois’ renewal was going to happen sooner rather than later. The Belgian goalkeeper’s contract expires this summer, and it seemed that both parties were willing to sign a new two-year deal, something that Florentino Pérez does not usually do with players who renew after the age of 30, but it seemed that he was going to make an exception for the Belgian goalkeeper.
However, that renewal is now on hold, and Courtois’ performance in the latter part of the season, especially in the Copa del Rey final and the tie against Arsenal, has cast doubt on whether he will remain with the team.
Against Barcelona, he misjudged the play that led to the equalizer. He came out late and left Ferrán Torres with an open goal with just ten minutes to go. Against Arsenal, he conceded two goals from free kicks, both of them great goals, but at Valdebebas they believe that, in his best form, he would have saved one of them.
His contract renewal is currently on hold, and Real Madrid is looking for reliable alternatives for the future, young players who can defend Real Madrid’s goal in the coming years.
Real Madrid wants Joan García
Real Madrid does not have to look far to replace Courtois in goal. The Whites are considering Joan García, Espanyol’s goalkeeper. The young Catalan goalkeeper is very popular at the Bernabéu. He has been key to Espanyol’s great season, which has them in contention for a European place next season. In addition, he would not be a big financial outlay and would be a bet on the future, something key for Real Madrid, who in recent years have accustomed us to signing good, attractive and inexpensive players.
Courtois is a legend at Real Madrid. He is considered one of the best goalkeepers in the history of the club and of soccer. But the years pass for everyone, and the Belgian is no exception. He has also seen his career slowed by a serious injury that changed everything. We will see if the goalkeeper and the team finally reach an agreement or if we are talking about the last stage of Courtois’ career at Real Madrid.