After a long and thorough search, La Liga heavyweights Real Madrid have shortlisted three galactico-level goalkeepers as their transfer target for the summer, with all three players coming from the top Premier League clubs.
Ever since the controversial departure of Real Madrid legend Iker Casillas back in July of 2015, Los Blancos have struggled to find for themselves a goalkeeper worthy of the galactico tag. Casillas’ replacement, Costa Rican international Keylor Navas, while having done well for the club, is not considered a player of world-class stature.
Real Madrid’s penchant for signing charismatic, high-profile, top-level players meant Navas’ eventual demotion as a back-up was inevitable. Indeed, the club has been linked with various big-name keepers in the past years, although nothing materialised.
All that is set to end in the summer, however, according to the Daily Telegraph, as Real Madrid are thought to have finally come up their final three-man shortlist of goalkeepers whom the Spanish side will look to sign in the summer.
Thibaut Courtois (Chelsea)
Real Madrid have been heavily linked with a swoop for Chelsea’s goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois in recent months, and the rumours are showing no signs of abating any time soon, despite Chelsea manager Antonio Conte insisting the Belgian shot-stopper will be staying at Stamford Bridge beyond the summer.
Conte’s claims on Courtois’ future has not had any effect on Los Blancos’ eagerness to sign the player, however, as the Belgian keeper is still at the very top of Real’s wishlist – even if the player has played for fierce local rivals Atletico Madrid some years ago.
Hugo Lloris (Tottenham Hotspur)
Tottenham Hotspurs’ Hugo Lloris is deemed to be Real’s second target should their attempts to sign Courtois fail. The 30-year-old French shot-stopper has been in fine form for Spurs this season, conceding only 15 goals in 21 league appearances so far, notching an impressive nine clean sheets.
Such steady and capable hands, apart from Lloris’ top status, is what convinced Real that the Frenchman could be a worthy signing in place of Courtois. Real Madrid will find it a bit difficult to acquire more players from Tottenham, however, after their raid of Gareth Bale back in
David de Gea (Manchester United)
Despite the final day fiasco Real Madrid suffered in attempting to sign David de Gea back in the summer of 2015, the Spanish international remains one of Los Blancos’ top keeper targets. After all, De Gea is a first-team player for Spain, and Real would certainly want Spain’s Number One to be their Number One as well.
David de Gea has made a total nine clean sheets in 24 Premier League appearances this season, a performance still worthy of the world-class tag. Real Madrid would have no qualms bringing De Gea’s talent to the Bernabeu.