Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly drawn up a list of goalkeepers he would like Real Madrid to sign, with Chelsea man Thibaut Courtois among the elite shot stoppers selected by the Balon d’Or holder.
According to Spanish outlet Diario Gol, Ronaldo has spoken with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez and insisted that the club needs a new first choice goalkeeper for next season if they are to keep up with their own pace in success.
Ronaldo is said to have presented Perez with three options for Los Blancos‘ new goalkeeper — David de Gea of Manchester United, Chelsea’s Courtois and Marc-Andre Ter Stegen of rivals Barcelona.
It is highly unlikely that Barcelona would allow Ter Stegen to leave for their fiercest rivals, which realistically narrows it down to the two Premier League ‘keepers, both of whom have played for Real’s cross-city rivals Atletico Madrid.
Courtois came through Genk’s youth academy and signed for Chelsea in 2011, but spent three seasons on loan at Atletico, making 154 appearances for the Spanish side and establishing himself as one of the world’s best goalkeepers.
He won La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the UEFA Europa League in his time with Atletico, as well as playing in a Champions League final.
Since his return to parent club Chelsea, he has won the Premier League twice as well as the League Cup.
David de Gea joined Manchester United from Atletico Madrid in 2011 and has since made 280 appearances for the Red Devils.
