Real Madrid’s Quest for a New Goalkeeper: Exploring the Shortlist

Real Madrid received a major setback on Thursday with the news of Thibaut Courtois’ serious ACL injury, effectively ruling him out for the upcoming 2023-24 season. Courtois has been a cornerstone player for the club, and his absence has prompted Real Madrid to actively search for a suitable replacement.

Carlo Ancelotti, the Real Madrid manager, is determined to secure a new goalkeeper, as he is not inclined to rely solely on Andriy Lunin, the current backup option. With Lunin set to start against Athletic Club on Saturday, Real Madrid is evaluating their options for a new number one and has compiled a five-man shortlist:

1. David De Gea: De Gea, formerly of Atletico Madrid and Manchester United, is the early favorite to succeed Courtois. Currently a free agent after his contract with Manchester United expired, discussions have already taken place. While De Gea offers a cost-effective short-term solution, concerns have arisen about his recent performance decline.
2. Yassine Bounou (Bono): Ancelotti reportedly prefers Bono as Courtois’ replacement. The Moroccan international impressed during the previous season with Sevilla. A reported transfer fee of €20 million might be required to secure Bono’s services. Despite the potential cost, Bono’s qualities and potential impact justify the investment.
3. Kepa Arrizabalaga: Formerly with Athletic Club, Kepa may be available from Chelsea following the acquisition of Robert Sanchez. While he is an option, questions about his performance, coupled with financial demands, could limit this possibility.
4. Giorgi Mamardashvili: The young goalkeeper has excelled with Valencia, but joining Real Madrid might not be the best career move at this stage. Given Courtois’ anticipated return from injury, it might not be ideal for Mamardashvili to join Real Madrid as a benchwarmer after a single season.
5. Dominik Livakovic: Livakovic, who has showcased his abilities with Dinamo Zagreb, is seen as a promising talent. While a move to Real Madrid would elevate his career, he might find himself as a backup when Courtois returns. If he’s amenable to that scenario, Livakovic presents an affordable and considerable upgrade to the goalkeeping squad.

The search for a new goalkeeper is pivotal for Real Madrid, given Courtois’ importance and the upcoming season’s challenges. Balancing short-term needs with long-term prospects will be crucial in determining the right candidate to fill Courtois’ shoes.