REAL MADRID HAVE confirmed they have agreed a deal to sign goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois from Chelsea on a six-year contract, while Croatian midfielder Mateo Kovacic will head to Stamford Bridge on loan for the 2018/19 season.
Courtois has been on Chelsea’s books since 2011 but spent three years on loan back at former club Atletico Madrid after signing for the Blues as a youngster.
He made his first-team breakthrough for Chelsea during the 2014/15 season, displacing club legend Petr Cech between the sticks and winning his first of two Premier League titles.
In recent months, however, the Belgian has not been subtle in attempting to force a move away from west London. With Chelsea’s squad – including Courtois’ Belgium teammate Eden Hazard, also linked with a move away – deep in preparation for the new Premier League season which begins on Friday night, the 26-year-old Courtois has remained in Belgium.
And he will now move to Spain where he’ll line out for the European champions, and the arch rivals of Atletico with whom Courtois won La Liga, Copa Del Rey and Europa League honours.
Real Madrid confirmed the move this evening.
“Real Madrid C. F. and Chelsea F. C. have agreed to the transfer of player Thibaut Courtois, who remains tied to the club for the next six seasons,” a statement read on their official website.
“After the medical examination that will take place tomorrow, Thursday, 9 August, the player will be presented at 1:00 pm in the honour box of the Santiago Bernabéu stadium.
“Subsequently, Courtois will step on the pitch for Santiago Bernabéu for the first time wearing the Real Madrid C. F. shirt and will attend the media in the press room.”
A separate statement regarding 24-year-old Madrid midfielder Kovacic read:
“Real Madrid C. F. and Chelsea F. C. have agreed to the transfer of the player Mateo Kovacic for the next season, until 30 June, 2019.”
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