Real Madrid News
Report – 27-year-old Real Madrid star added to list of potential summer departures
The summer transfer window could see multiple departures at Real Madrid following what has been an underwhelming campaign that is set to end without any trophy.
Players like David Alaba and Dani Carvajal, who are out of contract in June, are expected to bid goodbye, along with some fringe players like Dani Ceballos, Fran Garcia, Gonzalo Garcia, and Raul Asencio.
In addition, midfielder Eduardo Camavinga could also be on the move after a frustrating season, while Franco Mastantuono is set to be loaned out.
Andriy Lunin could join the list
Now, according to Mundo Deportivo, Andriy Lunin may now be added to that list of potential departures from Real Madrid in the summer.
Indeed, the club would not stand in his way if the 27-year-old goalkeeper wishes to leave, provided that a suitable offer arrives.
The Ukrainian shot-stopper is under contract at Real Madrid until 2030, and although speculation about his departure has been frequent, it has never materialised.
Lunin proved reliable in the 2023/24 season when he stepped in for the injured Thibaut Courtois, even helping guide Real Madrid to the Champions League final, which was ultimately played by the Belgian.
More recently, he has again filled in during Courtois’ absence, but the circumstances have not been the same.
After all, Lunin has not kept a single clean sheet this season. He has featured in 10 matches across competitions and has conceded in each, despite producing several strong saves.
As per the report, Real Madrid have been analysing the goalkeeping market for some time in search of a long-term successor to Courtois, who is 33 and under contract until 2027. Current indications suggest that Lunin is unlikely to be that successor.
In fact, Los Blancos are considering replacing the Ukrainian with 19-year-old academy gem Javi Navarro, who was integral to the club’s U-19 team winning the UEFA Youth League.
Real Madrid News
La Liga icon comes out in Mbappe’s defence amid bicycle controversy: ‘People are making a huge deal’
Kylian Mbappe’s vacations seem to be one of the favourite topics of the Spanish media, for they easily blow up into controversy with little to no basis time and time again.
It is indeed true that the player is often sighted on vacation at unconventional times. Most recently, he was spotted in Paris with his partner after being relieved from national team duty.
It is said that the player’s vacation was approved by the club and Jose Mourinho, and he is back in Madrid now for his recovery.
On social media, however, he posted a clip of himself on a bicycle which has faced much backlash from the Real Madrid and France faithful.
Former player comes out in Mbappe’s defence
Former Spain and Real Madrid player Santi Canizares spoke to the media in a recent interview via Defensa Central where he came out to back Mbappe amid the bicycle controversy.
“Let’s rule one thing out: maybe Mbappe only rode his bike for 100 meters. It’s just mind-boggling, this whole bike thing,” he began.
“He’s riding a mountain bike, but he might just be going from the hotel to the pool,” he added.
The former player also lashed out at fans for making a massive deal over a small moment in the player’s personal life.
“It seems to me that people are making a huge deal out of this bike thing – really, completely.”
He then pointed out examples of how biking is extremely common and why such a big fuss should not be made of it, saying,
“We, on the Spanish national team, had a day—during a training camp in the Netherlands—when we rode our bikes to the training field, which was a kilometre away.”
“The Spanish national team players also rode bikes around New York two days before the final,” he added.
As matters stand, the Frenchman is expected to bale back in action for Real Madrid in their first game after the international break. His performances after his return from injury, needless to say, will be crucial to win back the fans’ favour.
