New Delhi: Real Madrid will scout the transfer market to find a replacement for Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who suffered a cruciate ligament injury during training on Thursday, a club source said.
Real Madrid in search of goalkeeper
The main option to play in Courtois’ absence is David De Gea, who is still a free agent. Chelsea’s Kepa, Sevilla’s Bono and Valencia’s Mamardashvili would also be considered, said the source.
The signs seem to be solidifying, but Real Madrid do not believe backup goalkeeper Andriy Lunin will do the job. Indeed, the Ukrainian goalkeeper appeared set to leave the club this summer after Madrid refused to grant him a contract extension as his current contract expires in 2024.
🚨 After Thibaut Courtois’ ACL injury, Real Madrid are now considering signing David De Gea on a FREE this season.
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— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) August 10, 2023
De Gea or Kepa? Whom will Madrid target
De Gea is in decline, but is a free agent and could accept a shorter deal. Real Madrid need it as Courtois will definitely be a starter once he recovers from his cruciate ligament injury. It all makes sense, so De Gea seems like the most likely option for the Whites.
De Gea has established himself as a legend at Old Trafford and is available on a free transfer after spending more than a decade in England, with his contract expiring this summer.
Kepa ties with Chelsea
However, his previous ties to Atlético Madrid could be a problem. Kepa has two more years left on his Chelsea deal, but given the Blues’ recent signing of Roberto Sanchez as a new goalkeeper, it could hurt his chances of a regular signing and could leave him.
In fact, manager Nizar Kinsella has already claimed that Merengues is considering a loan move for Kepa but faces competition from Bayern Munich. Bono’s experience in Spanish football is also being considered, and it has long been suggested that Sevilla may be open to his departure. It remains to be seen what direction Merengue will ultimately take, but it seems certain that a new goalkeeper will arrive at the Santiago Bernabéu.
