Real Madrid News
Real Madrid open to selling €20m-rated talent under right conditions
Real Madrid appear increasingly open to the idea of parting ways with goalkeeper Andriy Lunin this summer, according to a report from AS.
The Ukrainian shot-stopper, who was once seen as a possible long-term option between the posts, now finds himself at a crossroads following a notable decline in playing time and continued dominance by Thibaut Courtois.
Last season, Lunin enjoyed his most productive campaign in a Real Madrid shirt, featuring in 31 matches, clocking close to 3,000 minutes.
However, this season has been an entirely different story. He has played just 13 matches, managing just over 1,200 minutes, a steep drop that mirrors his shrinking role at the club.
Lunin knows the situation
This change has not surprised anyone. Even Lunin is said to be fully aware that, as long as Courtois is healthy, no other goalkeeper will be the first choice at Madrid.
Courtois’ return from injury and his undisputed status as the club’s No.1 has once again limited Lunin to a secondary role, one that may no longer satisfy the 26-year-old.
In September, Real Madrid made a strong statement by renewing Lunin’s contract until June 2030.
The long-term deal secured a solid wage increase for the Ukrainian and ensured that the club would be in a strong position to demand a decent transfer fee should he choose to leave.
Now, with his role diminishing, the club’s readiness to consider offers shows that both parties may have reached a turning point.
Transfer is not that simple
Madrid value Lunin and would not let him go cheaply. Reports suggest the club would ask for more than €20 million. However, with his salary now significantly higher, not every suitor will be able to match both his wages and Madrid’s asking price.
Ultimately, the decision lies with Lunin. The club will not force an exit but is prepared to facilitate one if he expresses the desire to leave and if a suitable offer comes in.
If he chooses to stay and challenge Courtois, he will do so with the understanding that regular minutes will be extremely limited. If he opts for a fresh start, Madrid will not stand in his way, provided the price is right.
*Player valuation in title obtained from transfermarkt.com on date of publication.
Real Madrid News
Racing Santander chief confirms Real Madrid interest in star midfielder – “He will not leave”
Racing Santander may have only just got promoted to La Liga, but they have a talented squad with some of Spain’s best youngsters at their disposal.
The likes of Sergio Martinez and Jorge Salinas are both considered big talents, and both are understandably receiving interest from Spain’s elite.
Real Madrid have been trying to sign the former for quite some time now, monitoring his progress since January.
Los Blancos are pushing strongly to sign Sergio this summer, but it was revealed that the player has not yet made a decision.
Martinez still considering his future
Now, Racing sporting director Chema Aragon has confirmed Madrid’s determination to land the 19-year-old but did not rule out the player staying at Racing as an option.
As quoted by RM4Arab, Aragon confirmed that the teenager was evaluating all the options at his disposal.
“Sergio Martinez is evaluating his options. There is Real Madrid, and there is also the Racing Santander option for him,” Aragon said.
Those comments underline that Madrid have not yet secured the youngster despite their significant interest.
Should he choose Madrid, the plan would be for the midfielder to initially join Castilla while remaining close enough to the senior set-up to potentially train under Jose Mourinho.
Racing believe starting role could convince him
Racing, however, can offer something Madrid cannot guarantee immediately: regular first-team football.
“If we offer him a starting position, he will not leave,” Aragon claimed.
That could become the decisive factor for Martinez.
Dropping from La Liga football with Racing into the lower divisions with Castilla would be a significant sporting decision, even with the possibility of eventually breaking into Madrid’s first team.
At 19, guaranteed senior minutes could be enormously valuable for his development.
Real Madrid have gone all out
Aragon made no attempt to hide the seriousness of Madrid’s interest.
“Real Madrid have gone all out to sign him, and he is now evaluating all the options,” Aragon added.
Racing coming out and publicly admitting the extent of Madrid’s interest in the teenager could be their way of making a statement.
It is highly unlikely that their sporting director would come out and be so open about transfer negotiations unless they are confident of him staying at the club this summer.
For Madrid, his profile is particularly attractive because Mourinho’s squad could still use another type of midfielder.
The 19-year-old would arrive as a long-term investment with immense potential who can contribute to the first team.
The decision now firmly belongs to the player. Madrid can offer prestige, the chance of playing for the biggest team in the world and a chance to work with superstars.
Racing can offer something more immediate: continuity, familiarity, La Liga football and potentially a starting role.
Martinez needs to decide which pathway he wants for his career, and it remains to be seen whether he chooses Madrid.
