Real Madrid agree deal with 'best in the world' - Fabrizio Romano

12 Oct 2026 20:02 BST 2 min read

Tom Weber | Writer

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Thibaut Courtois is set to sign another Real Madrid contract extension that will see him complete a decade at the club.

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The Belgium international arrived in Spain's capital in 2018 after establishing himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the world at Chelsea. The two clubs' fortunes between the sticks could hardly be more different since.

Over the past eight years, Chelsea have searched in vain for an adequate replacement. Courtois' successor Kepa Arrizabalaga, who cost a world-record €80 million, was a disaster, and subsequent goalkeeper signings have also struggled.

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For Real Madrid, Courtois has proved to be one of the best bargain buys in club history. The shot-stopper cost €35 million and has to date helped them win two Champions Leagues and three league titles.

Last year, Courtois signed a one-year extension to his existing contract, tying him to Real Madrid until 2027. It was thought that this might be his final deal with the club, but that is not the case.

Courtois agrees new Real Madrid contract

According to Fabrizio Romano and MARCA, the 34-year-old has reached an "agreement in principle" with Real Madrid on another extension that is set to see him stay until 2028.

Despite his advanced age, Courtois remains an elite goalkeeper. "The club consider Courtois a key player, top in the world, and the new deal will be signed soon after the verbal agreement," Romano wrote.

For Real Madrid, this one-year extension is the continuation of the club's contract policy. Typically, players over the age of 30 have their contracts extended on an annual basis. Courtois is getting no special treatment despite his importance to the club.

His extension will maintain the status quo at Real Madrid, meaning that backup Andriy Lunin will have to keep playing second fiddle. He has often been linked with a transfer away, and this speculation won't go away if Courtois is handed fresh terms.

With uncertainty hanging over Lunin, MARCA points out that Real Madrid want to keep investing in their youth setup. "The club remains committed to developing its future goalkeepers through the youth academy," the outlet writes.

Courtois will be 36 when his new deal expires. Will that be the end of his illustrious career? Not necessarily. Last month, he insisted: "I still want to play five or six more years."