Real Madrid have found two heroes through the injury of Thibaut Courtois this season. The Belgian international may well be the team’s best goalkeeper, but both Kepa Arrizabalaga and Andriy Lunin have stepped up in his absence and made the goalkeeping position their own.
Of the two, it is safe to say that the Ukrainian star has been the bigger revelation. As a member of Carlo Ancelotti’s squad even before Kepa arrived, it is clear that the management did not see him as capable enough to fill Courtois’ shoes.
Six months into the season, however, he is arguably the more in-form of the two players and even started the Spanish Super Cup final against Barcelona ahead of his Spanish counterpart.
A renewal on the cards?
After witnessing the Ukrainian starlet’s incredible performances this season, many in the Real Madrid administration believed it to be impossible for him to stay at the club beyond the summer.
After all, his performances warrant a start for a top European club which will not be possible at Real Madrid after Courtois’ recovery.
According to reports from Mario Cortegana, however, sources close to Lunin confirm that the player is willing to renew his deal with Los Blancos and is waiting for a move from the club’s side. Yet, he still does not have an offer from the administration on his table.
His contract with Real Madrid runs out in the summer of 2025, and a departure was always seen as the most probable outcome. His stance of renewing for the club, however, could change everything for Real Madrid.
The first choice
Carlo Ancelotti has had the dilemma between Kepa and Lunin for a long time now. After all, both players have been exceptional in their own way with a healthy battle among them.
Earlier this month, it came to light that the Italian manager had developed a clear demarcation of roles for the duo.
As part of the new system, Lunin will be the team’s primary goalkeeper in both La Liga and the UCL while the on-loan star takes over duties in the Copa del Rey.
The youngster is thus Ancelotti’s first-choice goalkeeper as it stands and is well-placed to land himself a renewal at the club of his dreams.
While he understands that he may be forced back into the shadows next season, his insistence over a renewal only goes to show his confidence in his ability to fight the mighty Courtois for a starting spot.