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According to a report from SPORT, goalkeeper Andriy Lunin is expected to see out his contract and then leave the club on a free transfer next summer.
Lunin’s journey at Real Madrid has been a challenging one. Despite being with the club for several years, he has largely spent his time on the sidelines as a backup.
Last season, however, presented a rare opportunity for Lunin to showcase his talents. With Thibaut Courtois sidelined due to injury, he was given the chance to step up as the team’s first-choice goalkeeper.
Unfortunately for Lunin, who ends his contract in 2025, Courtois made a timely recovery, which meant that the Ukrainian missed out on the chance to play in the Champions League final.
This was a bitter pill to swallow, especially after all the hard work he had put in throughout the season. Despite earning the right to play on one of the biggest stages in football, he found himself back on the bench.
Several clubs were interested in Lunin
As a result of these events, the goalkeeper has been forced to reconsider his future at the club.
It must be noted that this summer, several clubs expressed interest and his agent, Jorge Mendes, was actively seeking out potential destinations where his client could finally get the playing time he desires. However, Real Madrid were reluctant to let him go, valuing him at €30 million.
Lunin’s performances last season were impressive enough for Real Madrid to consider offering him a contract extension for another four years. Some reports even suggested that an agreement was close to being finalised.
No response from the keeper
However, there has been no official confirmation of this, and it is believed that Lunin’s agent has put the negotiations on hold. This has led to growing speculation that Lunin is planning to run down his contract and leave on a free transfer next summer.
From January, the keeper will be free to negotiate with other clubs and choose his next destination. Meanwhile, Real Madrid are still waiting for a response to their contract offer, which has been on the table for some time.
The club had initially planned to secure Kepa Arrizabalaga as a replacement if Lunin decided to leave, but the uncertainty surrounding the Ukrainian’s future has put those plans on hold.
Lunin is well aware that his opportunities to play this season will be limited, possibly confined to the Copa del Rey. He is facing the harsh reality that, unless he leaves, he will continue to live in the shadow of Courtois.
