Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee during a training session on August 10, 2023. He underwent surgery in the coming days and is expected to be out for at least six to seven months. As a result, Real Madrid was expected to sign a new goalkeeper to deputize while Courtois is sidelined. The club was reportedly in contact with former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea over a potential move. In the meantime, Andriy Lunin was set to replace Courtois as Madrids No. 1.