Real Madrid Completes Loan Deal for Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga Following Thibaut Courtois’ Season-Ending ACL Injury
Real Madrid has finalized an agreement to secure the services of Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga on a season-long loan, prompted by the unfortunate season-ending ACL injury suffered by Thibaut Courtois. Kepa, who joined Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2018 from Athletic Club, swiftly became the preferred choice as goalkeeper during his debut season.
His impactful presence was felt across 54 appearances during the 2018/19 campaign, which culminated in Chelsea’s triumphant lift of the Europa League trophy.
Over the subsequent four seasons, Kepa made his mark with an additional 109 appearances for the Blues, significantly contributing to their successes in the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA World Club Cup.
During the previous term, Kepa’s role expanded to include the captaincy at Chelsea for the first time, and he also regained his position in the Spain squad.
As Kepa embarks on his journey with Real Madrid, the Chelsea club wishes him well for the upcoming season in Madrid, where he will reunite with former Chelsea head coach Carlo Ancelotti.
The official presentation of Kepa as a Real Madrid player is scheduled for tomorrow afternoon. This decision was prompted by Thibaut Courtois’ unfortunate anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained during training, which may sideline him until the end of the current season.
Given Courtois’ absence, Real Madrid faces a shortage of goalkeeping options, with 24-year-old Andriy Lunin serving as the sole alternative. Consequently, Kepa is expected to seamlessly step into the team’s starting lineup.
Notably, Kepa was absent from Chelsea’s opening-day draw against Liverpool, with newly acquired signing Robert Sanchez taking his place between the goalposts for the Blues.
