​At 34, Thibaut Courtois remains at the peak of his powers for Real Madrid, delivering sustained quality and consistency year after year. His level suggests he will continue as Real Madrid’s first-choice goalkeeper beyond doubt, with every indication that he may extend his contract and remain in the Spanish capital longer. While Real Madrid are actively exploring the Belgian star’s long-term future, the reality is that he does not have many seasons left at the highest level, prompting the club to start planning for a long-term successor.
According to Portuguese outlet A BOLA, cited by Madrid Xtra, Real Madrid are keeping a close watch on Anatoliy Trubin, the 24-year-old Benfica goalkeeper, as a potential future replacement for Courtois. Trubin was instrumental in a last-minute Benfica win over Real Madrid last season, underscoring his growing reputation and suggesting why he features on Real Madrid’s radar as a prospective Courtois successor. With his youth and evident talent, Trubin represents a projectable future for the club, given that he is entering what should be the prime years of his career.
Real Madrid are not alone in their interest; several clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, and Paris Saint-Germain, are pursuing Trubin. The Spanish giants, however, have joined the growing list of suitors, though it’s important to note that Real Madrid are evaluating multiple options as potential replacements. Trubin’s current affiliation with Benfica places him under the watchful eye of Real Madrid, particularly due to his professional ties with Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid’s manager, who previously collaborated with Trubin at Benfica. Mourinho’s prior work with Trubin could bolster the goalkeeper’s profile within Madrid’s decision-making process, given the beneficial history between player and coach.
The relationship between Mourinho and Trubin could play a significant role in elevating Trubin’s standing on Real Madrid’s shortlist. The goalkeeper has already showcased notable performances against Real Madrid in European competition, contributing to his rising reputation. Real Madrid’s interest in Trubin is also shaped by the ongoing need to secure a plan for the club’s long-term goalkeeping strategy, recognizing that Courtois’ advanced age and injury history necessitate a credible and capable heir apparent.
In the current plan, Andriy Lunin remains Courtois’ backup at Real Madrid, and the club intends to retain him into next season, given the veteran keeper’s recent injury concerns. Last season, Trubin’s standout form for Benfica included 32 league appearances, 13 clean sheets, and an average of 2.3 saves per game, along with a save percentage of 75%. He also saved half of the penalties he faced and conceded an average of 0.8 goals per game in league competition. These statistics highlight his growing reliability and potential to assume a primary role in the near future if the opportunity arises.
As Real Madrid map out a long-range plan for the position, Trubin remains among the concrete options being considered, alongside other candidates on the list. The club’s scouts and management are weighing the balance of youth, potential, and readiness to ensure a seamless transition from Courtois whenever the time comes. In the interim, Courtois continues to perform at a high level, anchoring Real Madrid’s goal and maintaining their aspirations across domestic and European competitions, while the club progresses with due diligence toward identifying and developing his successor.