Transfers
Real Madrid’s race to secure Courtois before 2028 deadline
Real Madrid cannot risk a gap between the posts as Thibaut Courtois’s contract expires in 2027, prompting the club to move swiftly on a renewal that could keep the 34‑year‑old Belgian goalkeeper at the Bernabeu until the summer of 2028 for the next campaign.
Contract renewals sit at the top of Real Madrid’s agenda this summer, with the club eager to avoid a free‑transfer loss. The urgency reflects the need to protect key positions as the season approaches.
Aurelien Tchouameni was the first to secure his extension, with terms agreed swiftly. His prompt deal underscores the club’s broader strategy to stabilise key contracts early in the window.
Vinicius Jr. is also flagged as a priority, with negotiations ongoing between the Brazilian forward and the club. Real Madrid aims to lock the attacker in before the window shuts.
Los Blancos are reportedly working on a third simultaneous renewal, initially keeping the player’s name secret. Jose Felix Diaz suggested the likely candidate is Thibaut Courtois.
Despite being at the fag end of his career, Courtois remains one of the best in his position, with his current deal expiring in 2027 and less than a year remaining. Los Blancos typically offer short‑term extensions to veterans, and the new agreement could run only to the summer of 2028. The club will monitor his fitness closely after his World Cup thigh injury. Courtois played every minute for Belgium at the FIFA World Cup until the quarter‑final against Spain, when thigh pain forced his substitution after 70 minutes. (Photo by Jurij Kodrun/Getty Images) The Belgian team exited the tournament, ending his World Cup campaign. After the tournament, Courtois will take a vacation before joining Real Madrid’s pre‑season training, where the club’s priority is a full‑fitness return. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images) His injuries disrupted the team’s plans last season, and full fitness is hoped for the upcoming campaign.