Thibaut Courtois: The first signing of the Villa-Boas era

Finally, a month after Villas-Boas was appointed as, Chelsea manager, Chelsea have finally enter the market and the first signing of the Villas-Boas era is imminent. Highly-rated Belgian goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois is undergoing a medical as he edges closer to joining the Blues in a five-year deal.

The signing signals Chelsea’s intent to strengthen for the future, and Courtois will most definitely be a signing for the future.

At 6ft 6in, the 19-year-old keeper is seen as an ideal replacement for Petr Cech. However, he won’t be replacing the current number 1 yet. Courtois himself as admitted that he will be a replacement for the giant Czech.

“It won’t happen in one or two years, but in three, four or five years. I can therefore work on my development in peace” says the Belgian, who has also been likened to Edwin Van der Sar.

The Belgian made 40 appearances last season as Genk won the Belgian league. His impressive performances not only persuaded Chelsea to part with a sum rumoured to be £7.9million, but they have also earned the youngster his first call-up to the senior Belgium squad.

After selling David de Gea to Manchester United, rumours are circulating that Athletico Madrid would be interested in taking the youngster on loan. This loan deal may not be just the one season, it may be more. This will give Courtois the experience and guidance he need to compete at the highest level he can.

The Belgian feells that “It is better for me to go to Atletico, I can learn more in Spain than in Belgium.”

However, many Chelsea fans will fee that the rumoured £7.9m price tag is too much for a goalkeeper, and in a sense I would have to agree. But it’s worth reminding that Manchester United paid £18.5million for a young keeper and Chelsea paid a similar amount for a then young Petr Cech and we all saw that the gamble on Cech paid off. So maybe Courtois is worth a gamble. For those who are not convinced check out the video below, which demonstrates why we brought Courtois.

I believe that the signing of Thibaut Courtois will be a good one, providing he is given the best learning opportunities possible. If we give Courtois the time and when Petr Cech decides to retire or leave, I feel that Courtois will be ready and make a fine keeper.