transfers
Madrid instead of Munich: Goalkeeper Kepa changes to Real
Kepa Arrizabalaga will be between the posts at Real Madrid. photo
© Martin Rickett/Press Association/dpa
FC Bayern wants to sign Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga as a temporary replacement for Manuel Neuer. But now the Spaniard is going to Real Madrid, replacing Thibaut Courtois for the second time.
The Spanish soccer goalkeeper courted by FC Bayern Munich Kepa Arrizabalaga joins Real Madrid on a season-long loan from Chelsea. Both clubs have now announced this.
The 28-year-old, who is usually just called Kepa, is to replace Belgian Thibaut Courtois at the Spanish record champions, who is out due to a serious knee injury.
Before Courtois’ injury, Kepa was about to move to Munich, as Bayern boss Jan-Christian Dreesen confirmed on Sunday. “We would have wanted to present a goalkeeper in Kepa today if he hadn’t opted for Real Madrid after all,” said Dreesen. In Munich, the Spaniard should have represented Manuel Neuer until his comeback.
Kepa moved to London in the summer of 2018 as the most expensive goalkeeper in the history of Athletic Bilbao, where he also replaced Courtois. In five years at Stamford Bridge, the Spaniard has had ups and downs. In his first season, he won the Europa League with the Blues. He later lost his regular spot due to inconsistent performances before becoming Chelsea’s number one goalkeeper again last season.
With the Londoners, however, Kepa only finished 12th in the table at the end of the season and missed out on European business. Now he is playing with Madrid in the Champions League. Kepa’s replacement in the Chelsea goal is his compatriot Robert Sanchez, who joined from Brighton & Hove Albion in the summer.