Real Madrid News
Real Madrid only one step away from renewing the contract of Belgian international
Real Madrid have had a knack for losing players at the end of their contracts lately, as evidenced by the departures of Luka Modric, Nacho Fernandez and Dani Carvajal, among others.
But the club are keen on avoiding the same scenario for the team’s star player, Thibaut Courtois, whose contract at Santiago Bernabeu expires at the end of the season.
It was reportedly recently that Real Madrid are looking at Diogo Costa as a potential replacement for Courtois, in case he leaves the club. But it appears Courtois is not leaving any time soon.
One step away from renewal
According to Diario AS, Real Madrid are only one step away from renewing the contract of Courtois this season.
Los Blancos are nearing an agreement with the Belgian international over a new deal until the summer of 2028, effectively translating into a one-year extension.
This is the formula Real Madrid follow for older players, giving them one-year contracts until they are deemed not good enough to play for the club.
In the case of Courtois, Real Madrid believe he has done more than enough to earn a new contract.
At 34, the former Chelsea star is still one of the best goalkeepers in the world and has been an important custodian for the team’s success.
A different strategy for Courtois
What is particularly striking is that Real Madrid are not willing to wait until the end of the season to evaluate whether or not Courtois can continue at the Bernabeu.
They want to renew the contract of the Belgian as soon as possible, thereby negating the possibility of him speaking to other clubs.
This is a far cry from the strategy Real Madrid applied to the likes of Modric, Carvajal, Nacho or even Lucas Vazquez.
The club waited until the last minute to make a decision, with the players ultimately ending up leaving the club. That won’t happen with Courtois, who is expected to continue at the Bernabeu.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid superstar returns from the break in top form after stellar displays with national team
Jude Bellingham has been undisputedly one of the star performers in the UEFA Nations League so far, in this international break.
Bellingham started with a valiant effort in the defeat to Spain, before starring in the 7-0 win over Croatia. Last night, he was on fire once again, helping England secure a 3-0 victory over Czechia.
As club football resumes this weekend, it is fair to say that Bellingham will be one of the most in-form players at Real Madrid.
Bellingham on fire
Bellingham’s spectacular form has continued throughout the international break, with the midfielder registering one goal and four assists in four matches for England.
The standout display came against Croatia, where he produced a goal and three assists in the emphatic 7-0 win.
He made England history with that four-goal contribution, creating five chances and completing four dribbles while boasting a 100 percent pass accuracy.
Against Spain, he was comfortably England’s best player, assisting Anthony Gordon’s opener and leading the attacks.
In the final game against the Czech Republic, it was Harry Kane who stole the show with a brace on his record-equalling 125th cap, but Bellingham once again started as an undisputed figure in Tuchel’s side.
The Englishman has shown no signs of his form being a mirage, having rediscovered his best since being handed a free attacking role.
A key figure for Real Madrid
Bellingham’s resurgence is a hugely positive sign for Real Madrid, who have struggled for consistency this season.
Operating as a number 10 with freedom to roam, the 22-year-old has already scored three goals for the club, making him the second-highest scorer behind Kylian Mbappe, while also leading the team for assists.
His current scoring rate of one every 206 minutes is not far off his brilliant debut campaign.
That form has drawn widespread praise, with Roy Keane tipping him to become one of the greatest of all time, while Jermaine Defoe backed him to become England’s next captain.
For Jose Mourinho, having Bellingham firing on all cylinders is a massive boost. With a demanding run of fixtures ahead, including El Clasico, the Englishman’s leadership and quality could prove decisive as Real Madrid look to close the gap on Barcelona.
