Chelsea's Thibaut Courtois celebrates his side's win over Manchester United in the FA Cup final on Saturday. Rui Vieira / AP Photo
Chelsea's Thibaut Courtois celebrates his side's win over Manchester United in the FA Cup final on Saturday. Rui Vieira / AP Photo
Chelsea's Thibaut Courtois celebrates his side's win over Manchester United in the FA Cup final on Saturday. Rui Vieira / AP Photo
Chelsea's Thibaut Courtois celebrates his side's win over Manchester United in the FA Cup final on Saturday. Rui Vieira / AP Photo

Chelsea must spend big to compete at top of the Premier League warns Thibaut Courtois


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Thibaut Courtois may not know where his or manager Antonio Conte's future lies, but the goalkeeper is sure that Chelsea need to spend big to compete in the Premier League next season.

Eden Hazard's first-half penalty saw the west Londoners beat Manchester United 1-0 to lift the FA Cup on Saturday evening at Wembley.

It was the best moment in a frustrating season as Chelsea failed to build on last season's league triumph, with a tepid title defence underpinned by background tension that leaves many speculating that Conte will soon leave.

Courtois is not sure where the Italian's future lies - "whatever he or the club decides, they will know what they do," the goalkeeper said - nor does he know where he will spend the 2018-19 campaign.

"Like I said in the last weeks or months, I think we'll see after the World Cup whether I am a Chelsea player for next year," the Belgium international said.

"We'll see what is going to happen after the World Cup."

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Read more

Chelsea's FA Cup final win proves to Antonio Conte that he is a 'serial winner'

Eden Hazard penalty sees off Manchester United as Chelsea win FA Cup

Richard Jolly: Cup title key for Conte as he faces end at Chelsea but perhaps with nowhere to go

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Courtois has been heavily linked with Real Madrid and its appears Chelsea need to win over their goalkeeper.

With his contract soon running out, the 26-year-old believes the Blues have to dig deep to have any chance of a title challenge next term.

Asked if Chelsea need a big summer to add players in order to challenge for the title, Courtois said: "Yeah, I think so. I think especially if you see how City and United are spending and working.

"I think if we want to aim for the top, we should do the same - obviously within the limits of what's possible as well.

"I think that the transfer market has gone pretty crazy. Nowadays you pay £80million for a defender I think - that's crazy figures.

"We'll see what's going on and I am sure the board will do what needs to be done."

For the short-term, this is time of celebration for those in blue.

Courtois was pleased by his own display at Wembley and to crown a campaign in which they stumbled home fifth with the FA Cup.

"Well, satisfaction because we won a trophy," he added, reflecting on the season as a whole.

"I think that's what football is about, winning titles, and today is one and the FA Cup is a big trophy to win.

"I am very happy about that but obviously missing out on the Champions League is not what we hoped for, but we have to keep working next year and have a good season again and add some more trophies.

"After a season with ups and down, I think this feels really good. It is a good way to finish this year."

Schedule:

Pakistan v Sri Lanka:
28 Sep-2 Oct, 1st Test, Abu Dhabi
6-10 Oct, 2nd Test (day-night), Dubai
13 Oct, 1st ODI, Dubai
16 Oct, 2nd ODI, Abu Dhabi
18 Oct, 3rd ODI, Abu Dhabi
20 Oct, 4th ODI, Sharjah
23 Oct, 5th ODI, Sharjah
26 Oct, 1st T20I, Abu Dhabi
27 Oct, 2nd T20I, Abu Dhabi
29 Oct, 3rd T20I, Lahore

FIXTURES

All times UAE ( 4 GMT)

Saturday
Fiorentina v Torino (8pm)
Hellas Verona v Roma (10.45pm)

Sunday
Parma v Napoli (2.30pm)
Genoa v Crotone (5pm)
Sassuolo v Cagliari (8pm)
Juventus v Sampdoria (10.45pm)

Monday
AC Milan v Bologna (10.45om)

Playing September 30

Benevento v Inter Milan (8pm)
Udinese v Spezia (8pm)
Lazio v Atalanta (10.45pm)

TRAP

Starring: Josh Hartnett, Saleka Shyamalan, Ariel Donaghue

Director: M Night Shyamalan

Rating: 3/5

Match info

UAE v Bolivia, Friday, 6.25pm, Maktoum bin Rashid Stadium, Dubai

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
What can victims do?

Always use only regulated platforms

Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion

Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)

Report to local authorities

Warn others to prevent further harm

Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence

Why are asylum seekers being housed in hotels?

The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.

A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.

Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.

The Home Office provides the accommodation, meaning asylum seekers cannot choose where they live.

When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.

How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE

When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time.
TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.

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