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
Mourinho considering starting 23-year-old Real Madrid ace against Villarreal – report
After impressing during the international break, Eduardo Camavinga has a major opportunity to establish himself in Real Madrid’s midfield rotation.
Indeed, according to Defensa Central, Jose Mourinho is considering starting the Frenchman against Villarreal, with injuries and doubts over several players limiting his options.
Real Madrid cannot afford to drop points against Villarreal if they want to remain in the title race. However, Mourinho has issues to deal with in the squad, which could lead him to turn to Camavinga for a crucial role.
Camavinga could replace Tchouameni in midfield
The 23-year-old star could line up as the defensive midfielder in the double pivot, with Bernardo Silva or Arda Guler alongside him, and will be tasked with providing balance in midfield.
Real Madrid face Villarreal with several problems in central defence. Ibrahima Konate is expected to be a late call, leading Mourinho to consider moving Aurelien Tchouameni into defence alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Meanwhile, Federico Valverde could also struggle to be ready after the ankle injury he sustained in the derby before the international break.
The Uruguayan has continued to work individually away from the group and might return to group training tomorrow. Even then, his readiness to start remains in question.
That would leave a place open in midfield, with Camavinga in line to fill in.
Camavinga impressed during the international break
Camavinga has started only one match this season, the defeat against Real Betis.
Despite his limited opportunities, Mourinho is keen to bring the Frenchman back into the fold after he impressed for France during the international break.
Zinedine Zidane called the Real Madrid star up for his first France squad, and the midfielder performed well during the break.
That has given Mourinho and Real Madrid reason to be optimistic about using him against Villarreal, with the hope that he can move closer to the level he showed after first arriving at the club.
Therefore, the Villarreal match could represent an important test for Camavinga and a chance for the Frenchman to show that he can provide the balance Real Madrid need in midfield.
