Thibaut Courtois is still planning to sit down and try and hammer out a new deal at Chelsea when he gets back from the World Cup, according to today’s Evening Standard.
Simon Johnson there says that “Courtois is planning to hold contract talks with Chelsea”, and has been surprised by the rumours that the Blues are looking to replace him.
He shouldn’t be surprised really – it’s less than a year till his deal expires, and he’s so far failed to put pen to paper. Chelsea wouldn’t be doing due diligence if they weren’t working behind the scenes to prepare for his exit.
Courtois has long favoured a return to Madrid, where he spent three years on loan from Chelsea. If he is to get his wish, the Blues will need a top player to replace the Belgian. Those kinds of deals take time and effort, and if Courtois decides he won’t be staying in mid-July, some of the best options may already be done.
So don’t be surprised Thibaut, just sign the deal.
