BOMBSHELL: Real Madrid locates Courtois' 'heir'

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Real Madrid Real Sociedad

16/08/26 17:00:00

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Unai Simón appears on the radar of Real Madrid's transfers as a top-level option to secure the future of their goal. The recent discomfort experienced by Thibaut Courtois with Belgium ended up being a minor issue, but it has rekindled the debate on the need to prepare in advance for the replacement of the Belgian goalkeeper.

Courtois should be available for the start of the season, although his physical problems prompt the club to work with foresight. Andriy Lunin remains in the squad, but he does not seem to have the necessary confidence to definitively secure the starting position when the time comes to replace the current number one.

Unai Simón gaining strength as a potential successor to Courtois

The name that convinces the most due to experience, performance, and immediate adaptation is that of Unai Simón. At 29 years old, the goalkeeper combines competitive maturity, knowledge of LaLiga, and an extensive international career as the starting goalkeeper for the Spanish national team under Luis de la Fuente.

His performance in the World Cup has further elevated his reputation. The goalkeeper went 650 minutes without conceding a goal in the competition, a historic streak that surpassed the World Cup records of Walter Zenga and Iker Casillas before ending against Belgium.

Real Madrid particularly values his security in goal, his personality in high-pressure matches, and his ability to initiate play from the back. He would not only be a reliable substitute but a player ready to compete for the position from his arrival.

An established goalkeeper in LaLiga

His knowledge of the Spanish league would significantly reduce the adaptation period. Unai Simón has accumulated years of experience at the highest level, understands the demands of big stages, and is accustomed to playing with a high defensive line both at his club and with Spain.

This profile fits the search for a dependable goalkeeper, dominant in the box, and capable of handling the pressure at the Santiago Bernabéu. His consistency makes him one of the strongest candidates in the European market.

Athletic Bilbao fully controls the operation

The negotiation presents a significant challenge. The goalkeeper renewed with Athletic Bilbao until June 30, 2029, and his contract does not include a release clause, giving the Basque entity full control over any potential transfer.

This situation hinders Real Madrid from triggering a fixed amount. To close the deal, they would have to directly negotiate with a club that is not in need of selling and that considers the goalkeeper one of their main sporting references.

Initial estimates place the possible price between 45 and 50 million euros. However, this range should be seen as an initial valuation and not an official figure, as the Bilbao club could demand a higher amount or reject any approach.

Thibaut Courtois remains the number one choice

The debate is also influenced by the situation of the Belgian. Thibaut Courtois, at 34 years old, retains the full confidence of the club and continues to deliver exceptional performances when available.

Therefore, an immediate arrival would lead to managing a challenging competition between two goalkeepers accustomed to being starters. The ideal scenario for the club would be to design a gradual transition without weakening a crucial position.

The potential departure of Lunin could also be decisive. If the Ukrainian accepts an offer to seek regular playing time, the sporting management will need to bring in another goalkeeper, but paying around 50 million for a temporary substitute would be a significant investment.

There is currently no record of a formal offer. Real Madrid is exploring alternatives, Courtois is recovering without jeopardizing the start of LaLiga, and the Basque entity maintains a position of strength. However, Unai Simón's international performance positions him as the prime candidate to become the future owner of the Madrid goal.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, BOMBAZO: El Real Madrid localiza al "heredero" de Courtois