Real Madrid wants to finalize the renewal of Thibaut Courtois as soon as possible and secure the Belgian goalkeeper between the posts for the white team. Reports suggest that the agreement is practically finalized, with only a few details remaining to be ironed out before negotiations are concluded.
Courtois’ season
Real Madrid has handled Courtois’ renewal with great secrecy throughout the season. The club’s sporting management has closely monitored the Belgian goalkeeper’s performance. The serious knee injury he suffered last season has raised significant doubts within the club. This season, he has suffered numerous muscle injuries that have caused him to miss more games than expected. His lack of continuity has prevented him from reaching the level he had before the injury.
It is a fact that Real Madrid has been combing the goalkeeper market in search of a keeper who offers more guarantees than the Belgian, but the conclusion has been unanimous, and they believe that, as of today, there is no better goalkeeper to defend the white goal than Courtois.
Courtois’ contract and renewal
Thibaut Courtois’ contract expires in the summer of 2026, so he is still guaranteed one more season with the Whites. Having just turned 33, many wondered whether Florentino Pérez would apply the same renewal policy he has applied to outfield players over the age of 30, namely renewal after each season, year after year. However, the Belgian goalkeeper will not be subject to this unwritten club rule.
His contract will be renewed a year before it expires and extended for two more years, until the summer of 2028, when the goalkeeper will be 36 years old. At that point, we will see if Thibaut Courtois continues to perform at the same level as he has done so far—his discipline and position on the field suggest that he will—or if, on the contrary, the Whites decide to look for a replacement for the future.
Real Madrid’s alternatives in goal
What does seem likely to change next season is Real Madrid’s second goalkeeper. Lunin’s future at the club is far from assured. He has not had as much playing time this year as he did last year, which is understandable, but when he has been on the pitch, he has looked more uncertain than last season. On the other hand, the Ukrainian goalkeeper is reportedly considering a move to a club that would allow him to be a starter and play a leading role on the field. He believes that his last season as a starter at Real Madrid could open doors for him at big clubs.
If he does not continue with the team, Real Madrid has three names in mind to replace Courtois: Joan García, Bart Verbruggen, and Fran González. Joan García is one of the sensations of the season with Espanyol and would be very inexpensive to sign. Bart Verbruggen is also shining in the Premier League at the age of 22. The Dutch goalkeeper is shining and conceding few goals. The third option is for Fran González, the team’s third goalkeeper, to be Courtois’ definitive substitute for next year.
What is clear is that if Real Madrid signs a new goalkeeper, it will not be to replace Courtois. The Belgian has not been at his best this year, but he remains one of the best goalkeepers in the world and, at the moment, the club does not believe there is a more reliable goalkeeper available to defend the goal.