Real Madrid continues to strengthen their core to enjoy continued success in the upcoming years in European soccer. Along with the key arrivals, the club president, Florentino Perez has always ensured to retain the best talent in Madrid. According to the Spanish outlet, Relevo, Andriy Lunin is the most recent player to commit his long-term future to the club by agreeing on a contract extension.
🚨 BREAKING: Andriy Lunin has AGREED to renew till 2029. @relevo ✍️ pic.twitter.com/GAmD3LWtvz
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) May 13, 2024
Los Blancos found themselves in a spot of bother at the beginning of the season. The club’s starting goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois was sidelined for a long period after suffering an ACL tear in his left knee. Owing to Courtois’ marvelous displays over the years for Real Madrid, everyone associated with the club was understandably concerned going into the campaign.
Real Madrid even agreed to a loan deal for Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea to cover for the absence of Courtois. However, as the season has progressed, Andriy Lunin has established himself as the number-one choice for Carlo Ancelotti. His splendid displays have helped Madrid enjoy a successful season and reportedly earned him a contract extension.
Real Madrid show trust in Andriy Lunin as Courtois’ successor
Lunin’s future has been one of the key talking points amongst the Real Madrid supporters in recent months. The 25-year-old has won over the Madrid fanbase with his performances throughout the campaign. The Ukrainian has appeared in 20 La Liga matches so far, keeping 10 clean sheets. Lunin has overtaken Kepa as the number-one shot-stopper for Real Madrid for the 2023-24 season.
19 – @RealMadriden ⚪️⚪️ have kept 19 clean sheets in 19 @LaLigaEn games this season (10 by Lunin, 7 by Kepa and 2 by Courtois), equalling their best tally in a single campaign in their history in the competition (19 in 1986/87 and 1987/88). Unbreakable.⛔️ pic.twitter.com/1Q7s30xnKu
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) May 11, 2024
Real Madrid was handed a major boost recently with the return of Thibaut Courtois. The Belgian has already appeared in two La Liga outings for the club. However, at 32 years of age, Madrid would be looking at possible future replacements for the best goalkeeper in the world. The club’s board has shown their trust in Andriy Lunin to take up that role.
Lunin has appeared in almost every crucial game for Real Madrid this season, including the Champions League knockout stages. He has made key saves time after time to ensure one of the best seasons in Madrid’s recent history. Lunin’s current contract with the club was set to expire in the summer of 2025. By offering him a contract extension till 2029, the club’s management sees Lunin as the rightful successor to Thibaut Courtois.
The dilemma to choose between Andriy Lunin and Thibaut Courtois for the Champions League final
Real Madrid will contest their 18th Champions League final early next month against Borussia Dortmund. Carlo Ancelotti has a big headache to sort out before the fixture. The Italian manager has both Andriy Lunin and Thibaut Courtois fit and ready to start the game. A certain portion of the Madrid fanbase prefers Lunin to start considering he has the necessary match experience and sharpness this season, while some think that an individual like Courtois cannot be benched in a European final.
Real Madrid legend and one of the all-time great goalkeepers, Iker Casillas, says that Andriy Lunin should start in the Champions League final despite the return of their No. 1 Thibaut Courtois 🧤 pic.twitter.com/4MwWPUwP1v
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) May 10, 2024
Even Real Madrid legend Iker Casillas has joined the debate, stating his opinion, “Courtois has just recovered. He doesn’t have to prove anything to anyone. He will still return as the best goalkeeper in the world. Lunin has proven that he can be trusted and is reliable. In my opinion, Lunin should start in the final.” It will be interesting to witness the series of events influencing Carlo Ancelotti’s decision leading into the final.