Real Madrid have been dealing with extensive injury problems this season much like they have had to in previous campaigns. The team has lost a number of key players to long-term and medium-term injuries, causing Carlo Ancelotti to have to adapt and in some instances, play people out of their natural positions. To be fair, everybody has done an admirable job as the club have continued to deliver on the pitch despite facing difficult circumstances.
Real Madrid lost starting goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois before the season had even started and centre-back Eder Militao on matchday 1, both to long-term ACL injuries. Neither has returned to action yet.
When news of Courtois’ injury surfaced, many fans were left questioning what the club would do. Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga was brought in on loan. However, after a strong start to the season, the Spaniard has lost the starting berth to Andriy Lunin.
Lunin has been fantastic for Real Madrid this season since being called into the starting XI. According to stats from Transfermarkt, he has kept 9 clean sheets in 19 appearances in this campaign so far.
Real Madrid must offer new contract to in-form player
With Lunin in top form, and reliable backup goalkeepers hard to come by, many fans wonder what the future holds for him. He was expected to leave in the summer but that situation might have changed following an excellent run of form.
As reported by AS earlier in February, Real Madrid does not rule out offering Lunin another renewal. The goalkeeper is now inclined to stay.
Lunin’s current contract at Real Madrid runs until 2025. Thus, the club should offer him an extension before the summer. If things drag on for much longer, an exit would have to be considered while his transfer value is at its highest. But the best case scenario would be for the goalkeeper to stay at Santiago Bernabeu.