Real Madrid will sit down with super-agent Jorge Mendes to discuss the future of Ukrainian goalkeeper Andriy Lunin this week. The 25-year-old has a year left on his deal and could leave the club this summer.
Lunin had by all accounts agreed a new long-term contract with Los Blancos, but has not signed it. For the last few weeks, his future has been unclear, with Real Madrid yet to have news of his intentions, although they suspect the presence of Mendes could be a move to bring about an exit. Diario AS say that Mendes will meet with Real Madrid this week to make a decision on his future.
He is clear that he wants game time and continuity, which seem difficult at Real Madrid with Thibaut Courtois in place, hence a departure is not being ruled out. If that does come to pass, then Mendes will suggest another of his clients, Porto’s Diogo Costa, who played a starring role for Portugal at Euro 2024, as a replacement for Lunin. It is noted that Porto President Andre Vilas-Boas has declared they have no intention of selling Costa.
The 24-year-old goalkeeper seems unlikely to replace Lunin as back-up to Courtois, given he likely has sufficient cachet to gain a starting role at another big club. Given his age, his contract running until 2027, and a release clause of €75m, Real Madrid seem highly unlikely to spend big on Lunin’s replacement.
Lunin was linked with West Ham and then Celtic during the year, and if he does depart, then it could mean Real Madrid try to bring back loanee Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea. Amid the transfer tetris, Kepa is reportedly considering an offer from Saudi Arabia.
