Thibaut Courtois

[Hamilton 2,120]

The fact that Jose wanted him allready with the squad this year is probably a good sign that he has a plan for Thibaut. If it wasn't a pre-wc year, he probably stayed i guess.

[mediator 2,026]

It sounds clear that he wanted a good backup for Cech... That's why we tried to sign Buttland and then after Schwarzer.

Can't imagine José has any plan (the Board have one btw). José was looking for his team this season nothing more, and the best solution for this year was to have Courtois on bench in case of Cech's injury

[Gilvorak 3,734]

Our fan support is embrassingly poor, on here anyway. Can't believe some of the shit I'm reading.

Cech isn't World Class? Wow.

[The only place to be 11,313]

Cech is still world class. The thing is Courtois is also approaching that level and can't be the bridesmaid forever. At some point we have to decide whether we make the switch now or sell Courtois and hope we have another prospect as good as him in about 5 years time.

[Tomo 21,733]

It sounds clear that he wanted a good backup for Cech... That's why we tried to sign Buttland and then after Schwarzer.

If we ever sign Butland i will cringe, he's whole reputation is built on playing in the olympics, i have a mate who supports Birmingham and i saw a fair few of their games last season, some of the goals he conceded was comical.

[Stats 7,059]

It sounds clear that he wanted a good backup for Cech... That's why we tried to sign Buttland and then after Schwarzer.

Can't imagine José has any plan (the Board have one btw). José was looking for his team this season nothing more, and the best solution for this year was to have Courtois on bench in case of Cech's injury

Butland is third choice at Stoke right now. That move has not worked out as people scripted with Begovic staying and Sorensen is the no.2 He finds himself in quite a predicament. But even though Courtois is a better keeper than Schwarzer, I would much rather Schwarzer on the bench than Courtois because Courtois should be playing regular football rather than being on the bench here. He is on loan to a very good team who finished 3rd in La Liga, are currently in the CL and have won every La Liga game so far. I would much rather that than him being back up for Cech. He is just wasting away if that happens. On the other hand we now have a proven, experienced keeper who can come in and do a shift for Cech if he is injured or so. Compare Courtois on the bench or on loan to a team like Atletico? Of course I would go for the Atetico loan. He also has fierce competition in the NT with Mignolet who is another quality keeper.

[CHOULO19 24,332]

If we ever sign Butland i will cringe, he's whole reputation is built on playing in the olympics, i have a mate who supports Birmingham and i saw a fair few of their games last season, some of the goals he conceded was comical.

Boro's Steele is ten times the keeper that Butland is. Criminally underrated player.

[Tomo 21,733]

Boro's Steele is ten times the keeper that Butland is. Criminally underrated player.

Speaking of Boro, the Friday night game between Birmingham and Boro last November, the 2 goals Butland conceded that night you wouldn't even expect from Ross Turnbull.

[CHOULO19 24,332]

Speaking of Boro, the Friday night game between Birmingham and Boro last November, the 2 goals Butland conceded that night you wouldn't even expect from Ross Turnbull.

Most keepers with good reflections get over-hyped when, for me, positioning and decision making are far more important. I think that's why Butland is so overrated; he made some excellent-reflex saves in the Olympics and got over-hyped by all of Britain.

On topic, I think it's fair to say that Thibaut easily eclipses both.

[Weckerz 3,781]

If we don't get him to play for us next season I'm afraid he never will.

[Hamilton 2,120]

Indeed, he has to, such exceptional talent doesn't come over every year..

[Pizy 18,417]

Judging by his latest quotes it sounds like we'll be bringing him back next season.

Says Jose wanted him back this season but with the World Cup he wanted to stay in Spain and play in the Champions League. Smart decision. Also says he's willing to fight for the starting spot with Cech next year.

[Weckerz 3,781]

Judging by his latest quotes it sounds like we'll be bringing him back next season.

Says Jose wanted him back this season but with the World Cup he wanted to stay in Spain and play in the Champions League. Smart decision. Also says he's willing to fight for the starting spot with Cech next year.

Hopefully.. The continued interest from Barça has me worried.

[Fastrobbie 26]

Hopefully.. The continued interest from Barça has me worried.

I'm more worried that his girlfriend is Spanish, which means her family and friends are living over there. Obviously Thibaut staying in Spain would be excellent solution for her. We all know people would go lengths for love ...

[mediator 2,026]

And his girlfriend is boombastic xD

[Stingray 9,441]

And his girlfriend is boombastic xD

Yup! I'd go to spain for that :-)

[johnnythefirst 1,076]

Belgian and Spanish press now mentioning Courtois is Barca's main target to replace Valdez next year.

Conclusion is simple: either he's Chelsea's first choice next year, or he walks for a record fee.

[bushman 2,043]

Something tells me, Chelsea are in real fight to bring him on board.

I honestly, do not see Cech being moved out. Well, one never know though. Perhaps, Jose may loan him out, next year ?