Analysis: If Andriy Lunin departs, how will Real Madrid deal with their goalkeeping situation?
Because Real Madrid does not intend to sell any of its members of the first team of the core, it will be very interesting to keep an eye on the case of the only player who could leave the club this summer: Andriy Lunin. The Ukrainian stopper has been heavily linked with a move away during the transfer window, and when he was recently questioned on the subject, seemed to add fuel to the fire.
Lunin was fantastic for Real Madrid last season, having delivered in the absence of Thibaut Courtois, who suffered back-to-back serious knee injuries. His performances have played a big part in Los Blancos winning La Liga and the Champions League, although it won't be enough for him to clinch the top spot going forward.
Barring further injury problems, Courtois will be Carlo Ancelotti's first-choice goalkeeper for next season, meaning Lunin will be forced back to the bench. However, he wants to continue playing, which means that a departure is very possible. In recent weeks, he has been linked with the Premier League – more specifically, Arsenal and Liverpool.
If Lunin leaves, the expectation is that Real Madrid will aim to re-sign Kepa Arrizabalaga, who was at the club last season. He was originally signed as a replacement for Courtois in the summer of 2023, but Lunin's excellent performances have seen him take the starting spot from November onwards.
Given that Courtois is 32 years old, and after two serious injuries in the space of 12 months, there is no doubt that Real Madrid see Lunin as his long-term successor. In any case, if the latter pushes for an exit, that plan goes up in smoke, and the owners of the club would need to consider an alternative.
The Blancos have options from within, with the most obvious being Fran Gonzalez. At 19, Fran is a candidate to succeed Courtois in the long term, and is highly regarded at Real Madrid. He has been in the first team fold regularly over the last 12 months, although it would be too soon for him to be Courtois's backup. He would also need to mature quickly if he was to take over when Courtois steps aside – a loan move or two may be needed to help with that.
Real Madrid could also sign a long-term successor to Courtois now, instead of replacing Courtois. Transfers they linked him with Porto's Diogo Costa, although that would be a surprising move given the expected cost. He's a fantastic 'keeper, but Courtois would still be number one – and that's a lot of money to spend on someone who can't play for at least 2-3 years.
The obvious short term solution for Real Madrid is to sign Kepa again, and it's a solid move. He is a capable backup, as was shown last season. The problem facing the club's owners is the identity of Courtois' successor, as it would not be entirely obvious if Lunin leaves. It is something that should be addressed.
