Real Madrid have decided to offer Andriy Lunin a new contract ahead of Thibaut Courtois’ return from injury. The Ukrainian star’s solid performances in the past few months have secured his place as the Blancos’ second-choice goalkeeper.
Andriy Lunin Earns Fresh Contract Offer at Santiago Bernabeu
Beating Kepa Against All Odds
Thibaut Courtois’ ACL injury forced Real Madrid to consider signing a new goalkeeper in August. The Blancos ended up adding Kepa Arrizabalaga to their squad on a season-long loan deal. However, the Spaniard faced stiff competition from Lunin for a starting place in Carlo Ancelotti’s lineup.
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Kepa’s injury in November provided Lunin with more playing time. Since then, the Ukraine international has remained Real Madrid’s first-choice goalkeeper, fending off competition from Kepa. He has kept ten clean sheets in his 23 appearances for the Blancos across all competitions.
Real Madrid to Enter Talks With Lunin
The club have reportedly decided to renew the contract of their number two keeper amid reports of Kepa’s possible return to Chelsea in the summer.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid are already prepared to offer Lunin a new contract. The La Liga giants are eager to keep the 25-year-old beyond next summer when he enters the final year of his current deal.
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A possible contract extension for Lunin will be a significant blow to Kepa’s hopes of earning a permanent move to Real Madrid. The Spaniard could return to Stamford Bridge, where Robert Sanchez has become Chelsea’s first-choice goalkeeper in his absence.
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A New Fitness Setback for Courtois
Real Madrid hoped to have Courtois back in their squad after the international break. However, a new injury setback is set to delay the 31-year-old’s return.
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Courtois suffered a meniscus tear in his right knee last Tuesday. According to ESPN, he will be sidelined for another four to six weeks. With the veteran goalkeeper practically missing all of the 2023/24 season, Real Madrid could intensify their efforts to reach a contract agreement with Lunin in the coming weeks.
