Chelsea Transfers: 5 Under-The-Radar Keepers To Replace Thibaut Courtois
With Belgian stopper looking set to exit, who could replace him on the cheap?
Chelsea are in danger of losing their first-choice keeper Thibaut Courtois to Real Madrid this summer. The Belgian, who performed admirably between the sticks for Roberto Martinez's Red Devils during the World Cup, took home the Golden Glove award and has seen his value soar since then.
With Madrid now in for a world-class stopper, Courtois has emerged as their main target, given David de Gea's contract extension at Manchester United and Alisson's move to Liverpool. RMC Sport also previously reported that the clubs had agreed over a fee.
The player is understood to be keen on returning to La Liga after spending time there on loan with Atletico Madrid in the past, and is also motivated to head back to Spain, where his children currently reside.
The Blues, meanwhile, have been linked with the likes of Kasper Schmeichel, Jordan Pickford and Jack Butland, all of whom would cost significant sums, per the Daily Star. There's also the possibility of the club pursuing Jan Oblak or Gianluigi Donnarumma.
There's hardly any real need to spend big, however, as there are several impressive stoppers playing in various leagues around Europe who wouldn't have them break the bank.
5. Sergio Rico (Sevilla)
Sergio Rico is flying under the radar as one of the best and brightest in Spain's La Liga. The 24-year-old has been playing his football with Sevilla since 2006 and hasn't played for any other club over the course of his 12-year career - not even on loan.
The Spaniard got his opportunity between the sticks after both Beto and Mariano Barbosa suffered injuries in 2014 and later made a permanent step up in the pecking order. He also received a call-up to the Spain national side less than a year later.
Rico has helped Sevilla win the Europe League on two occasions and probably would have had a better run on the international stage if it weren't for David de Gea.
Could he come in and do a job at Chelsea? Most definitely: the 6ft 5in stopper appears to have everything it takes to succeed at Stamford Bridge and the Blues would do well to consider him as a replacement if Courtois does leave this summer, or next.