Thibaut Courtois believes Chelsea need to improve their current contract offer if he is to stay at Stamford Bridge following his fine displays for Belgium at the World Cup.
The 6′ 6″ goalkeeper enjoyed a successful campaign in Russia, starting in all seven Red Devils matches while keeping three clean sheets as his country secured third place, their best finish yet in the tournament. The Belgian has only 12 months to run on his current deal, with Chelsea’s improved contract offer, believed to be worth £200,000 a week, left unsigned by the 26-year-old since negotiations happened last December.
Courtois has always maintained he will only talk about his future until after the World Cup and now the goalkeeper has spoken, saying he should be valued more by the club following his form in Russia. “I will go back and I will see what they want and how they say it,” said Courtois. “Obviously, with this World Cup, I think what was on the table is different than what I can have.”
Despite being again linked with a move to Real Madrid, Courtois has recently stated he may choose to see out the final year of his contract at Stamford Bridge. This may prompt Chelsea to listen to offers for the big Belgian, as they would rather sell him for a fee now than risk losing him for free next summer.
“In this World Cup, I have ignored all the speculation, all the rumours. But now, in the next few days, I will have a chat with my agent and see what Chelsea told him, and then we will talk. But I feel happy at Chelsea, it’s not that I necessarily want to leave. People always complain that players don’t comply with their contracts, but maybe they do. I don’t think they will keep someone with my qualities on the bench, even if I don’t sign [a new contract]. But maybe [staying] is possible, because I like it in London.”
Courtois arrived at Chelsea in 2011 but was immediately loaned out to Atletico Madrid where he spent three impressive years in between the sticks. He returned to West London in 2014 and has since established himself as the first-choice goalkeeper of the club.
