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Chelsea’s management staff are reportedly set to meet with goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois this week to discuss his future at Stamford Bridge as the stopper continues to impress at on-loan side Atletico Madrid.
Courtois arrived in London two years ago for a humble £5m from Genk and is widely touted in the English football betting world as Petr Cech’s successor once our legendary goalkeeper hangs up his gloves. At just 20 years of age, Courtois has already earned a wealth of experience in Belgium and Spain and could be a Blues legend for a full decade should he continue his progress at such a young age.
Unfortunately, there are rumours he may be getting disenchanted with Chelsea’s plans for his future and is set to demand a transfer away from the club this summer. This should not be allowed to happen if the Blues want a solid goalkeeper to replace Cech, for Courtois has all the ability to be the heart of our defence for years to come.
The stopper is in good form this season, having kept 13 clean sheets in 24 appearances for club and country. He is vocal and communicates well with his defence, is a rangy keeper like Cech, and has the guts to wipe a player clean through when going for the ball.
No wonder he feel he deserves a first-team place at a side he can call home, rather than being sent out on loan. Yet, his situation is perfect for both Chelsea and the player. For unlike Carlo Cudicini, who wasted the vast majority of the latter stages of his career as a reserve on the Stamford Bridge bench, Courtois is applying himself and learning his trade while still being on our books.
Keeping Courtois and loaning him out is a real investment in the future, and instead of letting him rot in the reserves, the club management must agree to resolve any issues the Belgian international may have with his current situation.
Although it will probably cost us a larger contract, the investment is well worth it for a seasoned goalkeeper ready to join the first team in three or four years’ time.
