Real Madrid Sign Chelsea's Kepa Arrizabalaga to Replace Injured the Thibaut Courtois

• Real Madrid have signed Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga to replace Thibaut Courtois, who suffered a season-ending injury last week
• Kepa leaves the Blues after five eventful seasons and remains the most expensive goalkeeper in football history
• Backup goalkeeper Andriy Lunin started for Los Blancos in their La Liga opener this past weekend against Athletic Bilbao

Real Madrid have swiftly replaced Thibaut Courtois, who suffered an ACL injury in training last weekend, by signing Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.

With Courtois out for most of the 2023/24 season, the Spanish side have signed the Spanish keeper on a season-long loan.

Backup goalkeeper, Andriy Lunin, started for Real Madrid in their 2-0 win over Athletic Bilbao in their opening game of the season. The Ukrainian had a decent performance.

The Chelsea goalkeeper was also a target for Bayern Munich, but he chose Madrid. He is expected to take over as the no. 1 choice due to his experience at the highest level.

Sadio Mane Set to Undergo Medical Ahead of His Blockbuster Move to Al Nassr

Football

Real Madrid could sign another keeper as competition before the summer transfer window closes.

Kepa at Chelsea

Chelsea made the 28-year-old the most expensive goalkeeper in 2018 when they signed him for €80 million from Athletic Bilbao. He won the Nations League 2023 with the Spanish national team in June.

In five seasons with the Blues, he made 163 appearances and kept 59 clean sheets. However, he failed to nail the No. 1 goalkeeping spot. He won the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA World Club Cup with Chelsea.

One of his most infamous moments with Chelsea came in the 2019 League Cup final against Manchester City. He refused to be substituted for Willy Caballero.

Courtois's message after injury

Sports Brief earlier reported on Courtois breaking his silence after sustaining a season-ending injury.

The best-case scenario is a return in April 2024, depending on his rehab, but he could still miss the entire campaign.

“You never expect to go through something like this but now it’s time to accept it and do everything to overcome it and come back even stronger.”