Los Blancos have been infamously resilient over their stance on not giving veteran players more than 12 months at the club, with the frequent option for a renewal, if their level is maintained at the Estadio Bernabeu.
Former stars Cristiano Ronaldo and ex-captain Sergio Ramos both fell foul of the rule and there will no exception granted for Courtois despite his importance to the squad.
Jose Mourinho will return to the club after the 2026 FIFA World Cup and Courtois is expected to be unmoved as his No.1 with the Portuguese coach charged with dragging the club back into a trophy-winning position.
Courtois' current contract runs until June 2027, but talks over an extension have not yet started, as the Belgium star wants to speak with Mourinho on his return to preseason training next month.
Despite the tension over what the future holds, the 34-year-old is realistic over what comes next, and Real Madrid's inevitable planning for the future.
"At Real Madrid, once you’re 30 years old, you only get one-year renewals. So I’m quite relaxed about the situation.
"If I continue performing as I have been, a renewal won't be a problem. But Real Madrid is a top club and, at some point, they will have to think about my successor."
Mourinho's squad options have already been boosted prior to landing back in Madrid with deals wrapped up for World Cup trio Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konate and Bernardo Silva - plus ongoing talks over a deal for Dutch star Denzel Dumfries.