Saudi Arabia set sights on Thibaut Courtois as next Real Madrid objective

After attempts of varying success to recruit Real Madrid stars Karim Benzema, Luka Modric, Nacho Fernandez and Vinicius Junior, Saudi Arabia are now looking at other opportunities to bring star power to the Middle East. One of their objectives is the best goalkeeper in the world, in the eyes of many.

Belgian shotstopper Thibaut Courtois is reportedly the latest objective of Al-Ahli, and they intend to present huge offers to both the Belgian and Real Madrid.

MADRID, SPAIN – OCTOBER 22: Thibaut Courtois of Real Madrid acknowledges the fans after the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between Real Madrid C.F. and Borussia Dortmund at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 22, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Alvaro Medranda/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)

The report comes from media in his native country, Voetbal 24 (as carried by Sport), and they explain that Courtois has already turned down offers from Saudi Arabia last summer.

Los Blancos have no intention of selling Courtois, and they do consider him the best around. Short of a huge amount of money that might persuade President Florentino Perez to change his mind and look for a younger replacement, but there is no suggestion of an exit currently.

Saudi Arabia have shown they will be persistent in their attempts to bring in star names though, and Courtois’ contract situation could aid them. Courtois will turn 33 this season, and has struggled with injuries over the last two years.

His current contract expires in 2026, and Los Blancos as a policy only offer one-year renewals to players over thirty, meaning if they do want to cash in on him, next summer might be their last opportunity.

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