According to José Félix Díaz, AS correspondent covering Real Madrid, Real Madrid has decided not to wait until the end of the season to renew contracts with veteran players, as they have done in the past. The club hopes to complete Thibaut Courtois's contract extension as soon as possible. Both parties are reported to be close to an agreement, with the new contract expected to run until 30 June 2028.

Real Madrid's decision-makers are confident that the team's goalkeeper position is secure for years to come. Real Madrid began contract extension talks with Courtois in July, and now both parties are very close to a deal. This time, Real Madrid does not plan to wait until the final months of the season, as they have done with other veteran players in recent seasons, to decide whether Courtois should remain with the team.

After evaluating the current state of the squad and the goalkeeper market outside the Bernabéu, the club has reached a clear conclusion: there is currently no alternative that would significantly improve the position. As long as Courtois continues to perform at his current level, Real Madrid is entirely confident in their goalkeeper, as the club believes they already have the best player in the position.

Real Madrid's confidence in their goalkeeper position stems not only from Courtois's weekly performances on the pitch. In the Champions League match against Inter Milan, the Belgian goalkeeper made 7 saves. At the same time, young goalkeepers continue to emerge from Real Madrid's youth academy. This youth system has now become the foundation for talent development and an important source of revenue for the club. In recent years, Real Madrid has repeatedly proven they can develop high-level young players in various positions. Several young goalkeepers have attracted attention, including Sergio Mestre, Diego Arroyo, Ferran Quetglas, Álvaro González, Ilya Voloshin, and Gil Ponce. However, the player currently generating the most excitement at Real Madrid is Spanish U-19 international Javi Navarro. He impressed in the UEFA Youth League last season and is currently considered one of Spain's most promising young goalkeepers. There is also Fran González, who is continuing his development on loan at Sevilla, a period Real Madrid believes will be one of the most important final stages of his overall development.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid has not overlooked Lunin. The club believes the Ukrainian goalkeeper has an excellent professional attitude and is a reliable backup, always ready to play when the team needs him. Whether he gets playing time or sits on the bench watching Courtois play, Lunin has never caused problems in the team. Every coach who has managed Real Madrid in recent years views Courtois as the undisputed number one goalkeeper, while also appreciating the security of having a backup like Lunin.

At Valdebebas, Real Madrid believes Courtois fully deserves a new contract and has nothing left to prove this season. Club management believes he has thoroughly passed the test with his performances, and at 34, he still has sufficient ability to maintain his high level. Courtois himself is also very keen to extend his time at Madrid as much as possible. It is understood that several clubs from financially stronger markets have expressed interest in him, but such contact is immediately rejected when it emerges.

Mourinho has also always had complete confidence in Courtois, and he has openly reaffirmed his position. For Mourinho, having Courtois in goal gives him peace of mind, and Real Madrid fans share the same feeling. Courtois was nominated for the best goalkeeper award last season, alongside Unai Simón, Raya, Joan García, Bounou, Gregor Kobel, Emiliano Martínez, Mendy, Safonov, and Woźniak.

Among these names, Kobel is the most notable. The Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper was previously recommended to Real Madrid, and the club's scouting department has carefully monitored his performances. However, Real Madrid's interest in the Swiss international has not gone beyond the stage of ongoing monitoring. Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund have always maintained an excellent relationship, and Kobel's rise to world-class goalkeeper status has only strengthened the widely held belief in German football: that his next destination may ultimately be one of Europe's truly top clubs.

Diterjemahkan oleh AI.

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