Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri has suggested that he won’t keep Thibaut Courtois at Stamford Bridge against his wish. The Belgium international has been strongly linked with a move to Real Madrid following his strong showing at the World Cup but so far, the Blues have not made a decision over his probable sale.
Speaking to reporters, Sarri said that he would like to hold a meeting with Courtois, who is scheduled to return for first-team training on Monday. The Italian that he wants to work with players, who only have ‘very high levels of motivation’ thereby suggesting that Courtois could be shown the exit door, he said: “I want to hear Courtois. If Courtois tomorrow says to me the same [as the agent], then I have to speak with my player, of course. Because I only want players with very high levels of motivation.”
Courtois initially made his mark with Atletico Madrid on loan between 2011 and 2014 and this witnessed him earned a regular role with Chelsea starting from the 2014/15 campaign. Despite this, the Belgian has never hide his desire to return to Madrid where his children are presently resided and it now appears that the Bluesmay sanction his sale with his contract expiring in 12 months’ time.
According to Sky Sports News, the Blues are currently on the search for a new shot-stopper with Stoke City’s Jack Butland highlighted as the prime target. Nevertheless, their pursuit is unlikely to be easy with Potters boss Gary Rowett recently stressing that the club won’t entertain the player’s sale at such a late stage of the transfer window.
Aside from Courtois, the likes of Eden Hazard and Willian have been linked with probable exits, though they appear more certain to stay put with the Blues. Willian recently indicated that he is happy in West London and is looking forward to the new campaign under Maurizio Sarri.