Real Madrid News
24-year-old Real Madrid star considering summer exit in search of game-time
According to reports from MARCA, Real Madrid backup goalkeeper Andriy Lunin is having second thoughts over his future at the club. The shot-stopper could leave the European champions in the summer for a new side where he sees more prominence as a regular starter.
The Ukrainian international’s frustration is understandable, for he has played just six La Liga games for the club all season. Those minutes too came courtesy of injuries to Thibaut Courtois.
In his six starts for Los Blancos this term, Lunin conceded three goals and made just under two saves in every ninety minutes. It is clear that the youngster has a bright future ahead of him, but sitting on the bench does him no good.
Moreover, his chances of succeeding at Real Madrid, in the long run, are slim given the consistency and age of Thibaut Courtois. At 30 years of age, the Belgian shot-stopper could be the side’s regular shot-stopper for at least the next five years and provides no scope for any player to compete.
Earlier in the year, teams from the Premier League and Bundesliga were said to be interested in the Ukrainian’s signing. With him on the market once again, it remains to be seen as to what options the youngster has on his table.
Lunin signed for Real Madrid from Zorya Luhansk in July 2018 as one of the bright young talents between the sticks. His move at the time involved a transfer fee of close to €12.5 million and an agreement to see him at the club for at least six seasons.
Needless to say, a loan move would thus serve well for the Merengues for there is no dearth of talent in the Ukrainian international. To let him go on a permanent move could be a decision the club come back to regret.
Speaking to the media, Brazil Football Confederations (CBF) president Ednaldo Rodrigues has claimed that the Selecao have not given up on their pursuit of Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti, despite the Italian stating that he will not leave the club.
Brazil have been without a manager since the World Cup in Qatar last year, following which Tite stepped down. The CBF have made Ancelotti their top target and have been pursuing his signing for months but to no avail.
The 63-year-old Italian tactician has, on more than one occasion, made it clear that he will be at Real Madrid next season, with his contract expiring in 2024.
However, CBF president Rodrigues is adamant that Ancelotti’s statements are due to him being cautious as he is under contract at Real Madrid and that the Selecao are not prepared to give up on their quest to appoint him as of yet.
“We made a plan, that ‘Plan A’ is the one you know, Ancelotti, and as they say in the ‘ring’ (boxing), I haven’t thrown in the towel yet,” Rodrigues said (h/t Mundo Deportivo).
“Because of contracts, people are cautious,” he added.
Ancelotti, for his part, has repeatedly stated that he does not intend to leave Real Madrid unless he is forced out of the club.
Despite missing out on the La Liga and the UEFA Champions League titles last season, the club continue to back the veteran Italian and are planning for next season with him in charge.
So, despite Rodrigues’ confidence and perseverance, it is extremely unlikely that Ancelotti will be leaving Real Madrid for Brazil this summer.
