Real Madrid News
Real Madrid believe 24-year-old star could leave in search of minutes, plan to sign replacement
It has not been easy for Andriy Lunin at Real Madrid. Signed from Zorya Luhansk in Ukraine back in 2018, the 24-year-old goalkeeper has found it nearly impossible to get minutes at the Santiago Bernabeu.
After spending his first two years away on loan at Leganes, Real Valladolid, and Real Oviedo, Lunin has been a part of the first-team setup at Real Madrid since 2020. However, in the three seasons that have followed, the shot-stopper has played just 17 times.
As such, given his lack of opportunities, according to AS, Real Madrid believe that Lunin will look to leave the club in the summer in search of more playing time. And the club are already planning to bring in a replacement for the Ukrainian international.
Lunin’s current contract with Real Madrid expires in the summer of 2024. The goalkeeper has found it hard to get minutes under Carlo Ancelotti even in cup competitions, with the manager relying on his No. 1, Thibaut Courtois at every step.
Lunin has made 12 appearances in all competitions this term, of which 11 came because Courtois was unavailable. He was handed a start as a rotation option in just one of those matches – a cup tie against Cacereno back in January.
It has been reported that the coaching staff do not trust him entirely and given the situation, it might not come as a surprise to see Lunin leave in the summer.
Should that happen, Real Madrid are understood to be already looking at goalkeepers of a similar profile who can come in and serve as Courtois’ understudy at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Apart from looking for a player on the market, there would be a possibility that the Merengues turn to RM Castilla’s Mario de Luis, who has done a solid job for Raul Gonzalez’s side this season, helping them push for promotion to La Liga 2.
As things stand, the possibility of Lunin’s exit in the summer is gaining weight and it remains to be seen if Real Madrid rope in a replacement from outside or decide to back someone from within the club’s youth ranks.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid eye €3.5 million-rated relegated Premier League striker to reinforce attack
Following a difficult season with troubles in La Liga and the Champions League preventing Real Madrid from retaining their crowns, Los Blancos move towards a transformative summer, full of innovations.
Real Madrid managed to clear plenty of unwanted figures at the club, with a huge relief on the wage bill. However, with an array of exits, the squad has contracted and thus replacements are being inquired.
Apart from the high-profile departure of Karim Benzema, fringe players have also bid their farewell.
Among those names is Mariano Diaz, who was Madrid’s backup striker prior to his withdrawal. Several names have been put on the table to fill his absence as the club largely aim to address their lack of depth.
According to Arancha Rodriguez (via RM4Arab), Leeds United striker Rodrigo Moreno is one of the names gaining consensus in the Madrid hierarchy. Moreover, Joselu has also been considered as a viable alternative.
The two favourites to replace Mariano have proven to be important figures for their clubs as both strikers maintain a starting role.
Playing for Espanyol, Joselu ended the La Liga campaign as the third top scorer, only behind Benzema and Lewandowski. Considering Espanyol’s relegation, such a feat looks even more impressive. The Spaniard secured 19 goals in all competitions.
On the other hand, Rodrigo Moreno recorded 16 goals last season across all competitions. Similar to Joselu’s case, the Spanish international also suffered relegation with Leeds, in spite of his good numbers.
With both players offering adequate output in struggling sides, Real Madrid’s interest is practical. Moreover, considering both Espanyol and Leeds were relegated, their asking price will undeniably lower, which enables the Merengues to sign one of the two targets at a more convenient rate.
It is claimed that Rodrigo has a release clause worth €3.5 million which Los Blancos would have to trigger to sign him from Leeds United.
It now remains to be seen whether Carlo Ancelotti & co. go after the former Valencia man or move for Joselu instead.
