Thibaut Courtois wants Chelsea future resolved before World Cup as he prepares to enter final year of contract

Future in doubt | Courtois has little over a year left on his Chelsea contract
Arsenal FC via Getty Images
James Benge26 March 2018

Thibaut Courtois says he hopes to resolve his Chelsea future before the World Cup as he prepares to enter the final year of his contract at Stamford Bridge.

The Belgian goalkeeper’s deal expires at the end of the 2018-19 season and, although Chelsea are willing to pay over £200,000-a-week to keep him at the club, Courtois has emerged as a target for a host of European giants including Atletico and Real Madrid.

Courtois has admitted he would be keen to return to Spain at some stage - his children live with his ex-girlfriend in Madrid - even though he enjoys living in London.

However the 25-year-old has suggested he is happy to stay at Chelsea next season even if he has not agreed an extension, a stance which could place the Blues under pressure to cash in or risk losing one of Europe’s top goalkeepers on a free.

“If I go to the World Cup with a clear idea, sign or wait another year, then I have a clear head at the tournament,” he told Sporza.

“I am still proud to play at Chelsea and I want to achieve success.” Courtois added: “I have one year [left on my] contract and feel good at Chelsea, at the end of the season we will sit down together and set out a vision.

“I know that I will be at Chelsea next year as well.”

Though Courtois remains one of Europe’s most coveted goalkeepers he has been in the firing line in recent weeks, particularly after Lionel Messi twice put the ball through his legs in Barcelona’s 3-0 win over Chelsea in the Champions League round of 16 second leg tie at the Camp Nou.

Louis van Goal described the errors as a “big blunder” but Courtois insisted he had no interest in the former Manchester United and Barcelona manager’s critiques.

“When I hear so-called experts talking, I think they know nothing about goalkeeping,” Courtois said.

“Van Gaal, for example, such people should not talk about goalkeepers. I know that I am doing well and I am growing to be in top form for the World Cup.”

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