Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga could be on his way to the Saudi Pro League before the 2024/25 football season. Kepa spent the last season at Real Madrid on loan filling in for an injured Thibaut Courtois. The Chelsea goalkeeper is expected to return to London after the end of his loan spell. While a year remains on his Chelsea contract, Saudi Arabia’s Al Ittihad has put an attractive offer on Kepa’s table. A report from MARCA suggests Karim Benzema’s team is looking to build a powerful squad that can challenge Al Hilal for the Saudi Championship next season and now requires Kepa’s services. Their offer has been termed by the Spanish outlet as ‘significant’ and ‘difficult to turn down.’
Kepa’s signing was announced by Real Madrid on August 14 last year. The move was initiated on emergency after Los Blancos’ primary goalkeeper Courtois suffered a long-term injury. The Belgian had reportedly conceded a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. Now that the season is over, Real Madrid is no longer in need of the Chelsea goalkeeper. They also have Ukrainian goalkeeper star Andriy Lunin as their second choice, leaving no space for Kepa in the squad.
There is still however a scenario where Kepa could return to Real Madrid for another season. This is because Lunin has yet to sign a contract extension with the La Liga and UEFA Champions League winners. With the club doubting his continuity at the Spanish capital, the club’s directors will likely keep an eye on the market. Given Kepa’s impact in the last season, he will surely be on top of the options the club will consider.
Spain and Real Madrid full-back Dani Carvajal reserved some high praise for Kepa during the UEFA Euro 2024. Speaking about the goalkeeping situation at Real Madrid, this is what Carvajal said as per MARCA, “The Real Madrid dressing room this year has been impressive. For me, the greatest example has been Kepa.”
The full-back further talked about his Spanish compatriot’s professionalism and added, “He comes on loan due to a long-term injury to Thibaut Courtois, he was initially expected to play as a starter. Lunin beat him to the spot and every day he has arrived with a smile, he has worked as hard as anyone in training, he stayed on afterwards to work in the gym to be better and be able to help the team. He is the clear example of a professional player.”
With the summer transfer window lasting until next month’s end, there is still some time for Kepa to decide on his future. A move to Saudi Arabia might just seem like the ideal transfer at the moment.
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