Real Madrid rarely replace their stars with academy products, and with Thibaut Courtois they will have a tough job replacing someone many consider to be the best in the world in his position. However, there is genuine hope within Valdebebas that they have someone in the academy capable of doing so.
According to Relevo, 19-year-old Fran Gonzalez continues to impress and progress faster than many expected. He is the starting goalkeeper of Real Madrid Castilla, is also a regular at senior training and has played six international matches for Spain under 19, but was recently called up for the under 21 players. The imposing figure, over two meters tall, has goalkeeping coach Luis Llopis convinced that Gonzalez could be the long-term answer after Courtois.
His development has not gone unnoticed. Gonzalez is under contract until 2026 and Los Blancos are not opposed to giving him a new deal to fend off interested parties. Chief among them Chelsea, who are following him closely and are prepared to make an offer for him.
Real Madrid's main issue with Gonzalez will be that he has good experience to continue his development in the coming seasons. That would probably have to come in the form of loan deals, but that could also be difficult, and not many clubs in the top leagues are willing to make young goalkeepers their starters.
Comments