Real Madrid’s search for a goalkeeper continues to frustrate both the management and the fans at Santiago Bernabeu as Chelsea’s Thibaut Courtois’ transfer approach is yet to progress to a promising stage. The Belgian has revealed that he is in talks with the Blues over a contract extension which would see him bank £200,000 per week. That would deem him to be the highest paid goalkeeper in the game, over his league rival, David De Gea.
Courtois’ huge 6 feet 6 inches stature is a domineering presence in the defensive backline paired with the agility and intelligence he adds to his game. He has registered 13 clean sheets in the league this season and was solid in the 1-1 home draw against Barcelona earlier in the week.
Ever since Iker Casillas left Madrid back in 2014, fans at Santiago Bernabeu have seen a number of familiar faces get shifted around in the position over the years, but nobody could cement a permanent spot. The case is similar with current keepers, Keylor Navas and Kiko Casilla. Navas is the first choice under Zidane and is definitely a prolific talent, but the 31-year-old suffers from bouts of inconsistency.
Florentino Perez’s search for the perfect shot-stopper has not gone seamlessly either over the past year often hitting a rough spot with every potential candidate. However here are a few candidates he can look for as replacements of the Belgian.
David De Gea
David De Gea has been United’s saviour in goal for the last four seasons and he is arguably the best stoppers in the game right now alongside Manuel Neuer. His heroics saved United from losing the first leg of the Round of 16 Champions League fixture Sevilla last night. The constant battering left him unfazed in between the sticks as the 27-year-old kept on making great reaction saves and helped his side maintain a 0-0 draw, an advantage they can take care of at Old Trafford in a few weeks.
Even he is close to signing a contract extension with Manchester United but the Spaniard is still silent on the matter, leaving media outlets to go into a frenzy over his potential future.
Allison
He arrived at AS Roma in the summer of 2016 as a backup to Wojciech Szczęsny. But ever since the Polish international left for Juventus, Allison has fought his way to the primary option in between the sticks. He has recorded 17 clean sheets in 47 appearances with the club so far and is definitely a perfect answer to Madrid’s defensive troubles.
Kepa Arrizabalaga
A move for Athletic Bilbao’s shot-stopper was planned by Perez but it hit a rough patch when the 23-year-old failed the medical test at Los Blancos. His contract is set to run out in the summer and Madrid will be able to pry him away for free.
