As of February 25, 2026, Real Madrid has officially begun planning for life after Thibaut Courtois.
While the 33-year-old remains the undisputed “No. 1” and continues to perform at an elite level, the club’s board is wary of his increasing physical strain and recent history of knee injuries.
The Top Targets
According to journalist Jorge Picón, Real Madrid’s recruitment team has narrowed their focus to two elite European goalkeepers who are seen as “mid-term” solutions.
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Bart Verbruggen (23, Brighton): The Dutch international has become a primary target. He is highly valued for his modern style—combining shot-stopping with exceptional distribution—and has kept 22 clean sheets in 94 appearances for the Seagulls.
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Gregor Kobel (28, Borussia Dortmund): The Swiss keeper is viewed as a more “ready-made” successor. His leadership and consistent performances in the Champions League make him a favorite among the Valdebebas scouts.
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The “Wait” Issue: Madrid previously explored signing Joan García (now a star at Barcelona) and Giorgi Mamardashvili (now at Liverpool), but both players reportedly refused to join a club where they would have to sit on the bench while Courtois remains active.
The Homegrown Dilemma
Real Madrid is also weighing the future of their internal gem, Fran González.
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The Talent: At 20 years old and standing 1.99m tall, González is considered the “next big thing” in the Spanish goalkeeping scene.
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The Plan: The club is undecided on whether to keep him as Courtois’ backup next season or send him on loan to gain top-flight experience. Real Sociedad, Espanyol, and Valencia have all officially registered interest in a loan deal for the summer of 2026.
Courtois’ Contract Status
The Belgian giant is currently tied to the club until June 2027.
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Annual Renewal: Interestingly, while Madrid offered him a longer two-year extension in 2025, Courtois preferred a “year-by-year” approach to assess his own physical condition.
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Presumption of Dominance: Despite the search for a successor, the message from the Bernabéu is clear: “As long as Courtois feels comfortable, he keeps his spot.”