On-loan Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga hopes to turn Real Madrid move into permanent one
On-loan goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga is hoping to make his move to Real Madrid a permanent one after being officially presented by the club.
On August 14, Kepa completed a season-long loan move from Chelsea to Real Madrid. The transfer came without any official clauses regarding future considerations, such as an option or obligation to make the move permanent. The loan move to Real Madrid is not Kepa’s first brush with the club. Back in January 2018, he was on the brink of joining Madrid from Athletic. However, a change in plans led Madrid to sign Courtois later that year instead.
Kepa then replaced Courtois at Chelsea in a record â¬80 million ($87.6m) deal, marking the most expensive deal for a goalkeeper at the time. At Chelsea, Kepa had a challenging five-year stint, but it was also marked by notable achievements.
He was part of the team that won the UEFA Champions League in 2020-21, the UEFA Europa League in 2018-19, and the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup in 2021. Now, at Real Madrid, Kepa is stepping into the shoes of Thibaut Courtois once again, this time due to Courtois’ ACL injury. As he embarks on this new chapter in his career, fans and football enthusiasts will be keenly watching his performance in the Spanish capital.
Speaking at his presentation, as quoted by Madrid universal, Kepa said that he was proud to be part of Los Blancos and was ready to face the challenge.
“It is a very happy and special day for me and for all my family. Proud to be part of Real Madrid. A day to enjoy and share with those closest to me.”
“I’m more experienced, in one of the best moments of my career. I am ready to face this challenge and, as I said before, I assure commitment and hard work,” he added.
When asked if he hopes to make the move to Real Madrid a permanent one, Kepa said he is planning to make that happen with his performances.
“I hope so. Today is the first day of my loan. We have time, we will see. Hopefully, with my performance, I can make that happen.”
