Real Madrid are close to agreeing a new four-year contract with a 25-year-old starter

Before this season, Andriy Lunin was perceived as something of a laughing stock at Real Madrid, after a string of poor performances last season when he stepped in for Thibaut Courtois. However, he is now being praised by both inside and outside, having performed brilliantly in recent months in the Belgian stopper's absence.

Lunin has been Carlo Ancelotti's undisputed number one since November, when he replaced Kepa Arrizabalaga, who was signed on loan from Chelsea last summer as cover for Courtois. The 25-year-old has been one of the best goalkeepers in La Liga since then, leading the Los Blancos to make efforts to extend his stay.

Lunin's current deal expires next summer, but second The Athletiche is now close to signing a new four-year contract, which would see him until 2028. He will receive an increased salary, earned through his impressive performances.

There had been rumblings that Lunin might leave Real Madrid in the summer, with Courtois expected to take over the starting position from next season. He won't be starting now, and it will be interesting to see how Ancelotti approaches the forward keeper situation.