Chelsea Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has been confirmed as the new keeper signing for Spanish giants, Real Madrid
The Belgian had a successful World Cup where he won the Bronze medal with his native country, but this has followed months of speculation and unrest for the shot-stopper.
Chelsea on the other hand, will receive cash and talented midfielder, Mateo Kovacic in return for Courtois.
The keeper had been a stalwart with the Stamford Bridge outfit, winning 2 Premier League titles and playing 154 games
Confirming the deal, Chelsea, who also bought a keeper of their own, Atletic Bilbao’s Kepa, said on their website:
“Chelsea and Real Madrid have tonight agreed terms for the permanent transfer of Thibaut Courtois subject to the agreement of personal terms and passing a medical,
“Subject to the completion of the deal Mateo Kovacic will join the Blues on a season-long loan.”
The deal has been reported to be around €35m (£31m/$40m) and the agreement for Kovacic is a loan move.
Also confirming the deal, Real Madrid also released a statement about the player saying; “Real Madrid and Chelsea have agreed the transfer of Thibaut Courtois, who will be linked to the club for the next six seasons,” Madrid stated on their official website.
“After the medical that will be carried out on August 9, the player will be presented at 1pm (12pm BST, 7am ET) in the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.
“Later Courtois will step out for the first time on the Santiago Bernabeu turf with the Real Madrid shirt and speak to reporters in the press room.”
The Belgian is not stranger to the Spanish game having lined up for Atletico Madrid for 3 seasons including their fairy tale Primera Division win.
He also made it to the UEFA Champions League final, but lost to his new club, Real Madrid