Chelsea Football Club have confirmed that goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, has signed for Real Madrid.
The Club also confirm that Mateo Kovacic will join on a season-long loan.
Courtois, 26, is subject to a medical examination on Thursday and will signed a six-year-contract with the 13 time European Champions. The fee is in the region of £35 million.
Courtois originally signed for Chelsea in July 2011 but spent three seasons on loan at city rivals, Atletico Madrid. During his time at the Vicente Calderon, Courtois made 154 appearances for Atletico, keeping 76 clean sheets. Courtois, then went on to make the same amount of appearances at Chelsea but kept 52 clean sheets.
A move to Real Madrid has been inevitable since the end of last season with Courtois making no secret that he wanted to return to the Spanish capital so he would be closer to his children. However, Chelsea would not confirm Courtois’ departure from the Club until they signed an adequate replacement.
Although not officially confirmed by the Club as of yet, Courtois’ replacement is 23-year-old Spanish international, Kepa Arrizabalaga. Arrizabalaga’s £71.6 million release clause was paid at La Liga offices on Wednesday morning and subject to a medical, he will be a Chelsea player by the time the transfer window closes at 5pm on Thursday.
