The 21-year old shot stopper was snapped up early by Chelsea from Belgian outfit Racing Genk back in 2011. Sensing, however, that first-team opportunities would be hard to come by, they decided to loan him out in order to keep his education progress constant, which cannot be the case by warming the benches at Stamford Bridge.

He was sent to Spanish side Atletico Madrid on a year-long loan for the 2011-12 season. He impressed during his loan spell, however he returned back to London at the expiry of the deal. Such was his urge to continue developing and playing regularly, that he was allowed to go out on loan once again. He managed to secure a second loan deal back at Atletico, where he reproduced his form of the previous season and had a stellar year in goal.

His red hot form in between the sticks earned him plaudits and accolades as he was instrumental in Atletico’s march to success in the Europa League, the UEFA Super Cup and the Copa Del Rey in his two years in Spain. He is gradually being recognised as one of the best goalkeepers in the Spanish league.

Now that he is back at his parent club Chelsea, there has been speculation surrounding his future. However, Courtois himself has revealed that he will be heading back to Atletico once again for a third straight year on loan. He spoke to the Spanish and the Belgian media and was reported by the DailyMail as saying, “I’ve chosen to stay at Atletico. I have to continue playing and at Chelsea there’s (Petr) Cech who has always been a great goalkeeper.”

“At Atletico I’m sure I can play and I can continue to be the first-choice keeper of the Red Devils (Belgium).”

“In the course of the season, we will see if I return to London.”

With his short-term future decided for now, do you see him staying put at Atletico for the foreseeable future, or will this deal be his last loan deal before he returns to Chelsea for good?