Thibaut Courtois admits Real Madrid are planning for his successor, with the Belgian goalkeeper's contract set to expire in June 2027.
What's at stake for Thibaut Courtois?
The 34-year-old's current deal runs until June 2027, but talks over an extension have not yet started, as he wants to speak with Jose Mourinho on his return to preseason training next month.
Real Madrid have a policy of not giving veteran players more than 12 months at the club, with the frequent option for a renewal, if their level is maintained at the Estadio Bernabeu.
Why it matters for Thibaut Courtois
Thibaut Courtois is expected to remain Jose Mourinho's No.1 goalkeeper, despite the club's planning for the future, with the Portuguese coach charged with dragging the club back into a trophy-winning position.
The Belgian star wants to speak with Mourinho on his return to preseason training next month, before discussing a potential contract extension.
What comes next for Real Madrid?
Jose Mourinho will return to the club after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and has already boosted his squad options with deals for Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konate, and Bernardo Silva, plus ongoing talks over a deal for Denzel Dumfries.
Thibaut Courtois is realistic about his future, stating "At Real Madrid, once you’re 30 years old, you only get one-year renewals. So I’m quite relaxed about the situation."
If he continues performing as he has been, a renewal won't be a problem, but Real Madrid is a top club and, at some point, they will have to think about his successor.
The club's policy has seen former stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos leave in the past, and Thibaut Courtois may face a similar situation in the future.