Real Madrid's goalkeeper dilemma could be resolved with Andriy Lunin's rise

Rob Fleming
18 January 2024

In August, Real Madrid faced a seismic shift when Thibaut Courtois suffered a serious injury, leaving coach Carlo Ancelotti without his trusted goalkeeper for the entire La Liga season.

Initially turning to Chelsea's Kepa Arrizabalaga on loan, Ancelotti soon found a gem in Andriy Lunin, who showcased unmatched composure and skill between the posts.

At 25, Lunin, with six seasons in Spanish football, has become Ancelotti's preferred choice over Kepa. The Ukrainian, excelling in aerial duels and displaying calmness under pressure, has evolved from a backup option to a vital asset for Real Madrid.

The goalkeeper from Krasnohard has a contract until 2025. Real Madrid management, believing in Lunin's potential, aim to extend it until 2030, foreseeing him as a long-term custodian, according to El Debate.

Ancelotti's confidence in Lunin is evident as the Italian manager signed a two-year extension, lasting until 2026. Lunin, feeling valued as the team's mainstay, now faces a career-defining decision.

The dilemma for Lunin lies between staying with Real Madrid, where he is appreciated, or moving to an English club for more playing time and higher wages. However, the latter may not offer the chance to compete for top international titles like the Champions League.

A significant factor influencing Lunin's decision is Courtois, who remains Ancelotti's priority. Despite this, Lunin believes he deserves more playing time. The crux of the matter is determining how many matches would be sufficient for him, as the coaching staff can't guarantee a specific number.

Real Madrid's offer would include the promise of exclusive tournaments, such as the Copa del Rey, and consistent appearances in Liga and Champions League. Crucially, with Courtois recovering from a knee injury, Lunin's role becomes pivotal, providing insurance against potential setbacks.

The choice signifies Kepa's defeat in the battle for the goalkeeper position. Real Madrid are reportedly not pursuing the continuation of the Basque goalkeeper, citing limitations in his playing style and nervousness in critical moments.

Looking ahead to the next season, Real Madrid's sports management envision a goalkeeping duo featuring Lunin and Courtois. Now, it's up to the Ukrainian shot-stopper to decide the course of his career.