Real Madrid News
Juventus open talks with Real Madrid over surprise loan move for 27-year-old star – report
Juventus are reportedly exploring a surprise move for Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, with the Serie A giants said to be in negotiations over a possible loan deal.
According to Defensa Central, Juventus have identified the Ukrainian international as a potential alternative in their search for a new goalkeeper.
The Italian club is currently interested in Parma’s Zion Suzuki, but with the Japanese goalkeeper also attracting interest from PSG, they are considering other options.
Lunin has therefore emerged on Juventus’ radar, although despite the interest from Turin, Real Madrid have no plans to allow the 27-year-old goalkeeper to leave, making any potential deal difficult at this stage.
Juventus turn to Lunin as goalkeeper alternative
Juventus are assessing their options between the posts, with Zion Suzuki currently among their preferred targets.
However, if the Parma goalkeeper ends up joining PSG, the Italian side could turn their attention towards Lunin.
Reports from Italy suggest Juventus have put the Real Madrid goalkeeper forward as a possible loan option.
Lunin has been one of the goalkeepers involved in Real Madrid’s pre-season preparations, particularly before Thibaut Courtois returned to Valdebebas.
At 27, the Ukrainian is now at an important stage of his career and remains capable of attracting interest from major European clubs.
Even so, at this stage, though, there is no information regarding the financial terms Juventus would be prepared to offer Real Madrid.
It also remains unclear whether Los Blancos would even entertain discussions over a temporary departure considering recent developments at the club.
Real Madrid have no plans to sell Lunin
Real Madrid do not appear willing to weaken their goalkeeping department by allowing Lunin to leave.
The club renewed his contract less than two years ago, tying him down until 2030, which shows the faith they continue to have in him.
Lunin’s importance has increased further following Fran Gonzalez’s departure to Sevilla.
The goalkeeper completed a move worth around €3 million for 50 per cent of his registration rights, leaving Real Madrid with Courtois and Lunin as the main senior options between the posts.
That situation makes a Juventus loan for Lunin even more complicated.
Real Madrid’s performance against Real Betis was shambolic, to say the least as the team faced many of the problems that have haunted them over the past couple of years.
But on a night where most of the attackers struggled to create anything of note, Dean Huijsen emerged as a lone bright spark for Los Blancos.
Huijsen keeps his promise
As reported by MARCA, Huijsen was the standout performer for Real Madrid, marshalling the backline with real authority even as the team struggled around him.
There has been a noticeable shift in the young defender’s mentality this season, with the player showing more competitive nature and looking much fiercer.
This is an attitude Huijsen had always promised, having inherited the iconic number four shift from David Alaba, a number he associates with his idols Sergio Ramos and Fernando Hierro.
“What I do know is that I’ll give everything of myself every day, whether in training or in a game,” he vowed, and at La Cartuja he delivered on that word.
His primary task was neutralising Juan ‘Cucho’ Hernandez, and he did so superbly, drying up the Colombian’s supply and repeatedly anticipating danger.
He also held his own in a niggly battle with Antony, refusing to be ruffled by one of Betis’ most inspired performers.
His composure on the ball, one of the qualities that has elevated him, saw him venture forward, forcing a fine save from the goalkeeper in the 11th minute and later heading against the woodwork.
The Konate partnership grows
Alongside him, Ibrahima Konate did his job, albeit without matching his partner’s brilliance.
The Frenchman was a little less assured, both in and out of possession, reflecting the two speeds of the centre-back pairing.
Huijsen looks settled and increasingly commanding, while Konate is still building the sharpness needed to reach his best in white.
Nonetheless, the partnership is heading in the right direction, and in Huijsen, Real Madrid appear to have unearthed a genuine leader for an area that has long been a weakness.
Each performance is also an argument to Luis de la Fuente, as the defender looks to reclaim the Spain spot he lost before the World Cup.
