The Belgian will miss a significant portion of the season after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.
Real Madrid faced the worst possible news on Thursday morning. Thibaut Courtois sustained an injury late in training, and it was immediately evident that it was serious. With tears in his eyes, he had to leave the session as clear signs of pain appeared in his left knee.
Real Madrid promptly conducted the necessary tests and confirmed the grim prognosis: the Belgian goalkeeper suffered an ACL tear in his left knee, an injury that will keep him sidelined at least until March.
There is no need for speculation to know that Real Madrid loses one of its most influential players on the eve of the season. Courtois has been, alongside Benzema and Vinicius, one of the club’s most pivotal figures since Carlo Ancelotti arrived, and many achievements would not have been possible without him.
Beyond his status as arguably the world’s best goalkeeper, Courtois has shown considerable character and leadership. When difficulties arise, he accepts responsibility and speaks out, earning admiration from fans, teammates, and the locker room alike. It is clear that Madrid is losing a goalkeeper who also serves as a natural leader.
Real Madrid is actively assessing market options
The injury presents Real Madrid with a critical decision twenty days after the transfer window closed and just one day after the season began. Courtois’s absence forces the club to consider a short-term option to compete for the starting role alongside Andriy Lunin until the Belgian returns.
Madrid had already been reviewing potential arrivals, with Lunin’s future unsettled and reports naming several keepers as possibilities. One name that has surfaced is Bono, the Sevilla goalkeeper who has attracted interest from other top clubs. Real Madrid reportedly admires his profile and believes he could fit the squad, though Sevilla would require a substantial fee and any negotiations could be complicated by a release clause around 50 million euros and other transfer dynamics. It is noted that Bono and Courtois share a good relationship from their time together at Atlético Madrid, which could aid the negotiations if a deal progresses. An additional factor is Bono’s status with the Africa Cup of Nations in January, which could affect availability.
Another option discussed is David de Gea, the Manchester United veteran who would arrive on a free transfer if his contract were terminated. This scenario would simplify negotiations, though it would require terms that satisfy a player with substantial experience and pedigree.
Kepa Arrizabalaga is another goalkeeper who has previously made a mark at Real Madrid. A loan arrangement could be considered, aligning with the club’s aim to have a reliable stopper to cover Courtois’s absence rather than appointing a mere substitute. However, reports indicate that Bayern Munich’s ongoing talks with Chelsea could complicate this path, reducing its likelihood.
Internally, Real Madrid also boasts strong options from its academy. Mario de Louis has delivered strong performances with Castilla and remains in the conversation for senior duties. Francis Gonzalez, who featured on the U.S. tour at 18 alongside Lunin, Courtois, and the club’s other senior keepers, is another name bandied about. While it is clear the club will not rely on Lunin as the sole stopgap, a realistic plan likely includes a combination of internal development and short-term external options. Lucas Kanizares is another young keeper who seems poised to push for a role as Real Madrid’s third-choice this season.
In short, Madrid faces a balancing act: secure a reliable short-term answer while preserving the club’s long-term goalkeeper development and financial strategy. The coming weeks will reveal which path the club prioritizes as it navigates this setback.