Thibaut Courtois may not have decided to force an exit from Chelsea yet but the fate of another goalkeeper may force his hand.
The 24-year-old shot-stopper told Spanish outlet Marca that he will look to drive down his contract before determining his fate; a move which makes him instantly more attractive to Real Madrid, who baulked at the £73million price they were quoted.
However, only one keeper can establish themselves as first-choice and Real came close to signing David De Gea from Manchester United last year. Had De Gea moved, given his age (25) and ability, Courtois may have had to wait years for a chance to play for Real.
Speculation persists De Gea could one day move to Madrid, just like Courtois. What follows now is an intriguing game of cat and mouse.
Ever since Thibaut Courtois became the undisputed number one goalkeeper at Chelsea, it has just felt as if the two have never been a match made in heaven.
A Premier League triumph under Jose Mourinho in 2015, as well as some inspired performances in the blue shirt, have placed the Belgian near the top of the class in his field, but his heart does not seem to be in England.
Prior to his arrival as a Premier League star, the young prodigy underwent a three-year audition in Spain, with three separate season-long loan deals to Atletico Madrid.
During this stint, Courtois appeared a much happier entity, a player truly enjoying the thrill of his trade at one of the most exciting clubs in Europe to be a part of in recent times – particularly under the leadership of Diego Simeone.
Well, in an interview with Marca, the Chelsea star all but confirmed the theory that his heart still belongs to the sunny shores of Spain.
When asked by the Spanish newspaper whether he fancied a return to the country, the Belgian replied with this:
“When I left Spain it was clear that one day I would return there.”
“I have a contract at Chelsea for three seasons. In 2018, when I enter the final year of the contract, we will assess whether to renew or leave.”
It is all but verbal confirmation that the 24-year-old does not see his future being at Stamford Bridge.
After ousting Chelsea legend Petr Cech between the sticks at the club, many believed the Belgian would push on and become a similar force to the Czech custodian, however, it appears this will not materialise.
There were rumblings of Courtois’ potential departure this summer, but Antonio Conte was keen to hold on to his man a little while longer.
If a move to Spain were to occur, it may be the other side of the Madrid divide where he has to ply his trade this time around.
Atletico recruited very wisely after the departure of the Chelsea man, signing Jan Oblak from Benfica and the Slovenian’s stock has grown at a rapid rate since his arrival, already establishing himself in the world class bracket.
Real Madrid do also possess a very competent shot stopper in Keylor Navas, but the club may be keen to instill more youth in the position and also acquire a household name in the process.