Lunin is focused on the Ukrainian national team, oblivious to the noise surrounding him. The Real Madrid goalkeeper wants to perform well with the national team and then focus on the Club World Cup, where the Whites are seeking the title. These are two priority objectives for the goalkeeper, whose future for next season is not shrouded in mystery. In a summer of changes at Concha Espina, no possibility can be ruled out.
Competing with Courtois is no easy task
In a team like Real Madrid, being one of the best goalkeepers in LaLiga does not guarantee a place in the starting line-up, and Andriy Lunin knows this very well. His talent is undeniable, but when your teammate is the best in the world, there is little you can do.
The Ukrainian goalkeeper has spent the last few seasons in Courtois‘ shadow and may have reached his limit. Lunin has accepted that, barring injury, Courtois will always be relegated to the bench and he will never be able to play in a final, or at least that is what he has experienced in recent seasons.
Last season, with the Belgian out with a long-term injury, the Ukrainian beat Kepa to the starting spot and made some great saves that took the team to the Champions League final, where Courtois, now recovered, was back between the sticks. He experienced the same situation this season in the Copa del Rey, which seems to have been the last straw.
Lunin is considering his future… and so is Real Madrid
In recent weeks, there has been speculation that Lunin has had enough and that his agent, Jorge Mendes, has conveyed the player’s desire for a change of scenery to the club. The renowned agent is reportedly looking for a new team for the goalkeeper, aware that he has attracted interest from clubs such as Aston Villa and Galatasaray. The Ukrainian is clear that he wants playing time and a leading role and would be willing to look for it elsewhere. However, in the last few hours, according to Defensa Central, Jorge Mendes has informed Florentino Pérez that the player has decided to stay and try to convince Xabi Alonso that he can be the first-choice goalkeeper ahead of Courtois.
Real Madrid has always put the ball in the player’s court. His future is his decision. However, the player’s indecision about his future has led the club to see the sale of the goalkeeper as an opportunity to do business. The club believes that the sale of the Ukrainian could bring in significant profits, which will be welcome given the significant expenses it will have to bear this summer.
Lunin renewed his contract last summer and, with a contract in force until 2028, the Whites would not let the player leave unless they receive an offer above €20 million. In addition, with the signing of that new contract, his salary increased considerably and is not within the reach of many clubs. “Real Madrid wants to sell Lunin because they can cash in. He has a market and they can get money for him,” said Eduardo Inda on the program El Chiringuito de Jugones. Whatever decision is made, it will not be until after the Club World Cup, which for Real Madrid begins on June 18 and is expected to last until July 13.