Bono top of Real Madrid’s shortlist to replace Thibaut Courtois

Bono is top of Real Madrid’s list of targets after Thibaut Courtois ruptured his ACL on Thursday. The Sevilla goalkeeper is the option that most convinces the coaching staff and the club, with Courtois set to be out for up to nine months out.

Courtois out for season

Courtois will practically miss the entire season, so the situation forces the club to get down to work right away, and not just any for alternative. The Madrid staff is considering five other names: Mamardashvili, Kepa, Unai Simon, De Gea and Keylor Navas, but the Sevilla player’s profile suits their expectations most.

Used to pressure

Bono is very popular for several reasons. Firstly, the experienced and winning profile of the Moroccan is highly valued. This is a goalkeeper who comes from reaching the semi-finals at the last World Cup in Qatar and who has won Europa League twice (2019-20 and 2022-23). He is a goalkeeper who is used to big challenges that would withstand the pressure of the Bernabéu. His height (1.95 m) is also something that Madrid value.

Africa Cup of Nations

The club wants Bono, but not at any price and it remains to be seen what stance Sevilla would take. The upcoming Africa Cup of Nations does not help either. The tournament will take place from 13 January to 11 February 2024, and Morocco have qualified for it, so Bono would not be available for a whole month.

Agreement with Sevilla

Bono has a contract until 2025 and a termination clause of €50million, although he reached an agreement with Sevilla that they would let him go if a potential offer reached €20million. He is an admirer of Real Madrid and even a close friend of Courtois. If Madrid decide to go for him, Bono would be ready to move to the Bernabéu.