REPORTS: Barcelona Were Close To Signing A Real Madrid Superstar In 2014
Thibaut Courtois, the goalkeeper for Real Madrid and current member of the club that holds the title of European Champions, was said to be interested in moving to Barcelona a few years before, according to a story that was published by the Catalan newspaper Sport.
Courtois was one of the most promising goalkeepers in La Liga at the time when he was on loan to Atletico Madrid from Chelsea. He was in the midst of his loan term. According to reports, Barcelona had been keeping an eye on his status in 2014. But ultimately they decided against pursuing the potential to acquire him.
Former Barcelona executive Javier Bordas reportedly had his sights set on recruiting Thibaut Courtois to the club around the same period, according to people close to the club. In 2014, Victor Valdes’s illustrious career with the club was drawing to a close. So, the Blaugrana began searching for a goalkeeper who could take over for Valdes.
Javier Bordas supported Courtois for the post. But, Andoni Zubizarreta, the sports director, had his eyes set on Marc-Andre ter Stegen and secured his signing in 2014. In the following months, Thibaut Courtois made a successful return to Chelsea for a term in the Premier League. He would ultimately go on to have a great career with Los Blancos. Thus, reaching new heights in the process.
In 2014, Thibaut Courtois of Real Madrid was showing interest in playing for Barcelona
Since his move to Real Madrid in 2017 for a transfer price of £35 million, Thibaut Courtois has developed into one of the most accomplished goalkeepers in La Liga. This year, the Belgian star has been one of the most important contributors to his team’s success in the league.
Courtois had a sensational performance for Real Madrid in the final of the UEFA Champions League last week against Liverpool. He made nine saves to keep Real Madrid in the lead throughout the match. The former Chelsea player is now at the pinnacle of his career. He has played for Real Madrid and won two La Liga titles and one Champions League trophy with them.
Courtois is now at the peak of his power
After years of poor management, Barcelona is only now beginning to pull themselves up from what might be considered their rock bottom. Even though Thibaut Courtois has categorically dismissed rumors that he had connections to the club, it is still possible that the Catalans showed interest in his services when they had the opportunity.
In 2014, Barcelona made the move to replace Victor Valdes with Marc-Andre ter Stegen for the long term. They also added Claudio Bravo to their roster so that they could make the transfer smoothly. While Bravo went for the Premier League after two reasonably successful years with the Catalans, Ter Stegen has flattered to deceive as their first-choice goalkeeper.
On the other hand, Thibaut Courtois is well on his way to cementing his place in Real Madrid lore and achieving legendary status. The Belgian goalkeeper is now at the peak of his abilities. He continues to be one of the best in the world.
