Real Madrid's €18m-rated star informs agent he wants to continue despite limited opportunities
The Ukrainian shot-stopper has decided to pause any plans to find a new club this summer. Instead, he hopes to keep fighting for his place in the team and prove he deserves more opportunities under Xabi Alonso.
Advertisement
Real Madrid's goalkeeping situation is one of the most secure positions at the club. Thibaut Courtois is the clear first-choice keeper and has delivered countless world-class performances.
But whenever Courtois has been unavailable, Lunin has stepped up and shown he can be trusted, making crucial saves and helping the team through difficult matches.
What is Lunin's plan then?
Lunin does not want to leave Real Madrid. (Photo by)
Lunin's decision to stay is also influenced by the fact that Courtois is now 33 years old. While Courtois is still performing at a high level, his age means Real Madrid must start thinking about the future.
Advertisement
At 26, Lunin is in the perfect position to learn from one of the best goalkeepers in the world and eventually take over as the club's number one when the time comes.
Sources say Courtois is close to renewing his contract with Real Madrid, but Lunin's patience and readiness to compete put him in a strong spot for the long term.
Meanwhile, newly promoted La Liga side Real Oviedo have reportedly made Lunin one of their dream targets as they prepare for their return to the top flight after 24 years.
However, with Lunin's commitment to staying in Madrid, a move looks unlikely. The goalkeeper is set to continue his journey with Los Blancos, proving his loyalty and hoping his time to shine regularly will come sooner rather than later.
*Player valuation in title obtained from transfermarkt.com on date of publication.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
41 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Riquelme leaves Atletico Madrid for Real Betis
Atletico Madrid's Spanish winger Rodrigo Riquelme has signed a contract with Real Betis until 2030, the two clubs confirmed on Friday. "Atletico Madrid and Real Betis have reached an agreement for the transfer of Rodrigo Riquelme," Atletico wrote in a statement, without specifying the transfer fee for the 25-year-old Spanish international, who came through the club's youth system. Advertisement The two teams finalised the deal last week for a reported eight million euros ($9.4 million) for half the Spanish player's rights, with Atletico retaining the other half. Riquelme will replace 19-year-old Jesus Rodriguez, who joined Italian club Como this week for a reported 25 million euros ($29.4 million). Riquelme came through the youth ranks at Atletico and played for Bournemouth and Mirandes before exploding into prominence at Girona in the 2022-23 season. He earned two caps for Spain after making his debut in November 2023. In total, he made 85 appearances in La Liga, 13 in the Champions League, and 14 in the Copa del Rey. rsc/ea/lp
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Would Barry be an upgrade on Calvert-Lewin?
Everton are closing in on the signing of France Under-21 striker Thierno Barry from La Liga side Villarreal - but what would he bring to Goodison Park, and how does he compare to outgoing number nine Dominic Calvert-Lewin? Calvert-Lewin's contract expired on Monday after nine years at the club in which he scored 71 goals in 273 games. The 28-year-old experienced highs and lows at Everton, enjoying fine 2019-2020 and 2020-21 seasons that earned him a place in England's European Championships squad, but at other times struggling with form and fitness. Advertisement In the two campaigns mentioned he scored 13 and 16 league goals respectively but did not reach double figures in any other single Premier League season. Meanwhile, last season 22-year-old Barry scored 11 La Liga goals to help Villarreal finish fifth and achieve their highest points tally in 17 years, qualifying for the Champions League. He was part of an elite group of players aged under 23 to score 10 or more goals in Europe's top five leagues, alongside the likes of Leipzig's in-demand Benjamin Sesko, PSG's Bradley Barcola and Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitike. One area the Toffees will be hoping Barry is an improvement on Calvert-Lewin in is aerially, especially in David Moyes' first full season back in charge with the Scotsman favouring a playing style that features lots of crosses into the box. Advertisement [BBC] Everton ranked seventh for open-play crosses in last season's Premier League, although they struggled to convert crosses into goals, scoring just three times from such situations – the fewest of any club other than Chelsea (2). Barry's height makes him a huge threat in the air and he ranked second of all forwards in Europe's major leagues - and top of anyone in La Liga - for aerial duel success in 2024-25 for players who have competed in a minimum of 100 aerial duels. He won 66.7% of his 153 challenges, while Calvert-Lewin has never won above 53.7% [in the 2020-21 season] in the Premier League. Advertisement Beto's surge of form after Moyes' return last season aside, Everton have lacked a reliable goalscorer who can offer a physical presence and threat. If he can stay fit, Barry has the characteristics to thrive in the Premier League and endear himself to Toffees fans in the same way Calvert-Lewin did at the beginning of the 2020s.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
AZ Alkmaar on notice regarding Kees Smit: English clubs compete with interest from Real Madrid and Bayern Munich
AZ Alkmaar on notice regarding Kees Smit: English clubs compete with interest from Real Madrid and Bayern Munich According to VoetbalPrimeur and TBR Football, Kees Smit has played himself into the spotlight at the European Under-19 Championships. After already finding himself linked with Real Madrid, there also seems to be avid admirers in England, as Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are interested in Smit. Advertisement The medium reports that in addition to Real Madrid and the London clubs, other names like Ajax, Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig and Olympique Marseille have also been mentioned. Chelsea and Spurs are said to have been following Smit closely 'for months'. Johan Lange, technical director at Spurs, is reportedly 'charmed by Smit'. Smit is still contracted to Alkmaar until the summer of 2028, and amounts of 25 million euros were previously mentioned for the promising youngster. The arrival of Smit does not seem a realistic prospect for the Dutch top clubs. Diario AS reported that the mentioned amount would be 'achievable on paper' for Real Madrid. Just how Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur compare to transfer competition, is not known. GBeNeFN | Max Bradfield
