Chelsea target http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Racing-c40298 Genk goal keeper Thibaut Courtois as long-term replacement for Petr Cech
Thibaut Courtois, the 19-year-old Racing Genk goal keeper, seems close to completing his move to English Premier League side Chelsea. The young stopper attracted interest from top European sides after his performance with the Belgian side, helping them to
the Belgian championship.
After a few months Chelsea and La Liga side Atletico Madrid emerged as favourites to secure his signature. However, according to the recent comments by his father and agent, the young stopper is most likely headed to the London club.
Courtois’ father, Thierry, said while speaking to reporters:
“He [Thibaut] was in in Chelsea last week.
I think Chelsea and Genk have reached an agreement. Tuesday we will come and talk about the transfer.”
Reports reveal that Chelsea intend on signing the player and then loan him back to Genk, so he can gain more first team experience. The Genk goal keeper’s father admitted that a loan move to Genk was possible but there was no chance of a contract extension
with the Belgian side.
“Maybe Chelsea will lend Thibaut to Genk, but a contract extension does not interest us anymore.”
The player himself revealed earlier that he would not mind a return to Genk on a loan move after signing with the Blues. Courtois said:
“Chelsea did an interesting offer to my agent and said they want me because they see me as a successor to Petr Cech.
It’s nice they have so much confidence in me, and maybe they could loan me back to Genk, to begin with. We are talking about it now with the Genk board.”
Genk are interested in maintaining the services of the young keeper, but have so far been unsuccessful in trying to convince him to stay. They even rejected Chelsea’s initial bid of €4 million for the goal keeper, but the Blues seemed to have returned with
an improved offer.
Courtois made his senior debut for Genk in the 2009-2010 season and since then has made an impressive 41 appearances in the Belgian Pro League. His form was important in helping the side land the domestic title and earn him the Goalkeeper of the Year award
along with the Racing Genk Player of the Year in 2010-2011.
Courtois is intended to be a replacement for current http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Petr-Cech-c29837, but most definitely in the long term. The Blues first choice keeper has demonstrated over the years that he is in excellent form and can continue on for years to come.
However, they do not have a suitable second or third choice keeper, which is why they have their sights set on Courtois.
Tags: