5 players who should move before the transfer deadline

Thibaut Courtois

Another Chelsea player that could potentially be on the move is goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. The Belgian has been a key piece of Chelsea’s continued success both domestically and within Europe in his time with the club.

Though Courtois won two league titles as a Chelsea player, a loan spell at Atletico Madrid seems to have had a profound influence on where he would like his career to take him. Courtois spent three seasons at Atletico and was successful, winning a Europa League title, Copa del Rey and playing in a Champions League final.

Despite the accolades on the pitch, this may be a scenario in which family and personal comfort takes precedent. Courtois has stated that he would prefer to live closer to his two children and their mother, who live in Madrid. The keeper has even reportedly looked into purchasing property in the city ahead of a seemingly imminent move.

Courtois has been excellent for Chelsea, with 48 clean sheets in 126 league appearances. Chelsea would undoubtedly prefer to keep him, but Real Madrid and their expansive resources are reportedly interested in his services.

A move to Real makes sense for Courtois, both on and off the pitch. He would be playing for the three-time defending European champions alongside some of the best players in the world, in a city that he admits his “heart is in.”

The chance for Courtois to further cement his legacy as one of the best keepers in the world is an opportunity he is unlikely to pass up, and Chelsea may let him go to seemingly greener pastures for the right fee.