Real Madrid News
Agent of fringe Real Madrid player working on summer exit but buyers refuse to meet valuation
Andriy Lunin’s future at Real Madrid is once again in doubt.
In fact, according to a recent report from SPORT, his agent, Jorge Mendes, is actively searching for a new club for the Ukrainian goalkeeper, and Real Madrid are asking for around €20 million. However, so far, no club has been willing to match that price.
For what it is worth, this is not the first time Lunin has been linked with a move away. His time at Madrid has been full of ups and downs, mostly because he has had to sit behind Thibaut Courtois.
Rejection from Galatasaray
Mendes, who is known for helping players find big moves, has been working hard to find the right opportunity for Lunin in Europe.
While some clubs have shown slight interest, much of it is driven by Mendes rather than a real desire to sign the player.
The latest team mentioned was Turkish side Galatasaray. However, reports from Turkey say that they are not seriously looking at Lunin as an option.
It appears that Mendes offered Lunin to the club, but they turned it down because they are looking at other targets instead.
Real Madrid open to letting Lunin leave
Real Madrid seem more willing than ever to let Lunin go, and this does not come as a shock to anyone, especially not to the goalkeeper himself. Lunin knows that as long as Courtois is fit, he will not be the first-choice keeper at the club.
If Lunin decides to stay, he will need to accept limited playing time. On the other hand, if he wants a new start elsewhere, Madrid are open to the idea, as long as they receive an offer close to their €20 million valuation.
The ball is now in Lunin’s court. Whether he stays and fights or moves on for more chances elsewhere, his next decision could shape the rest of his career.
Real Madrid return to La Liga action against Rayo Vallecano with little room for another slip-up, and their opponents could be without several important players at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Los Blancos arrive after opening their Champions League campaign with a 2–1 victory over Inter Milan.
Their domestic situation is less comfortable, though, after the defeat to Real Betis left them trailing Barcelona at the top of the table.
With Barça already putting together an impressive run, Real Madrid cannot afford to drop more points this early in the season.
Jose Mourinho will be looking for an immediate response when Rayo visit the capital.
The visitors, meanwhile, are dealing with a growing list of absentees.
Rayo Vallecano lose another forward
According to Mundo Deportivo, Rayo Vallecano will be without several players for the trip to Madrid, with Randy Nteka the latest addition to the injury list.
The Angolan striker suffered a muscle strain during training this week and is now expected to miss the match.
Rayo were already preparing for the game without Isi Palazon, who is recovering from a muscle injury. Goalkeeper Augusto Batalla is also unavailable after undergoing surgery for a fracture to his right tibia.
The absences do not end there. Fran Perez and Jorge de Frutos will both sit out after receiving red cards in Rayo’s previous league fixture.
Rayo manager Benat San Jose therefore faces some difficult selection decisions against a Real Madrid side that will be eager to build on its European victory.
More to the story
As per the outlet, there is also uncertainty surrounding Ivan Balliu.
The Albanian right-back picked up a heavy challenge in Rayo’s last match and his ankle is now badly bruised. San Jose has not ruled him out, but the defender faces a race against time to be fit.
“His ankle is badly bruised, but he’s a tough one and is doing everything he can to be fit.”
Real Madrid cannot afford another La Liga setback
For Real Madrid, the Champions League victory over Inter provided a positive response after the Betis defeat, but domestic consistency is now the priority.
Barcelona’s early form has already created pressure at the top of the table, making every dropped point more costly.
Rayo’s depleted squad should make life more difficult for San Jose, although Real Madrid still have to turn that advantage into three points.
