Real Madrid returns to LaLiga today with a visit from Celta Vigo, whom they must beat if they want to remain in contention for the only title they are still in the running for. The Whites have said goodbye to the Champions League and the Copa del Rey and are looking to cling to the lifeline of LaLiga, where they are second, four points behind Barça, whom they will face next week.
Uncertainty reigns at Real Madrid, which is currently fighting on many fronts. The Whites face a decisive few months on the pitch with the LaLiga title still up for grabs and the Club World Cup to play for, but off the pitch things are also up in the air. Carlo Ancelotti’s departure is a done deal, but the signings that will arrive and the departures that will happen are still up in the air.
An unexpected departure, or not?
In terms of departures, Real Madrid is showing itself to be more open than ever to letting players go who initially seemed unthinkable. Specifically, in recent weeks, the sale of three important players has been considered, which could bring in up to $200 million to reinvest in the team’s needs for the next transfer window.
One of the three players they want to do business with is Lunin. The goalkeeper has reached the end of his patience after being left out of a final that the team reached thanks to his work throughout the season. The Ukrainian goalkeeper, who arrived at the club at a very young age, 19, has realized that if he stays at the Santiago Bernabéu, he will never play in a final.
Last season, with Courtois out for a long time, Lunin was called upon to fill in between the sticks and led Real Madrid to the Champions League final with a great season. However, against Borussia Dortmund, with Courtois back from injury, Ancelotti opted for the Belgian, who ultimately proved crucial. The same thing happened again this season in the Copa del Rey.
In recent days, it has been revealed that Lunin’s agent has already informed Real Madrid of the various offers the Ukrainian has received for the future. The club is not opposed to the possibility of the player leaving in the summer if a good offer comes in and, in fact, has already started to move in the market.
Real Madrid has already chosen Joan García
In the search for a new goalkeeper in view of Lunin’s possible departure and with Courtois’ future retirement in mind, Real Madrid has a clear favorite: Joan García, Espanyol’s goalkeeper. A goalkeeper who is performing very well, which has aroused the interest of many suitors, complicating the situation. For this reason, the Whites had drawn up a plan to rush his signing, keep him on loan so that the same thing does not happen as with Lunin, and thus eliminate the competition. However, they may have been beaten to the punch.
Aston Villa goes all out
Espanyol’s sought-after goalkeeper is stirring up passions and there is even a team willing to pay the €25 million release clause in his contract. According to Cadena SER, the English club, managed by Unai Emery and with Monchi as sporting director, is willing to pay the €25 million release clause for García. This stance means that rivals will have to act quickly if they want to keep the player, as paying the clause would avoid negotiations with Espanyol and mean the player’s immediate departure.