The future of Andriy Lunin remains as unclear as it did six weeks ago, and there is no sign of much clarity arriving soon either. The 25-year-old had agreed to a long-term contract extension, but has not responded to Real Madrid’s invitation to sign it.
After a season in which he performed excellently in Thibaut Courtois’ absence, Lunin suffered after being dropped for the Champions League final, having played a huge part in their journey there. Ready for more football, Real Madrid have been clear that Courtois is their number one.
Relevo say that Lunin, or his agent Jorge Mendes, is asking for more money to remain at the club, but they will not move an inch from the deal that was agreed in March and April. They believe that his silence is simply a strategy to pressure Los Blancos, but they believe that he will end up signing the deal. Lunin has not communicated his desire to leave either.
Los Blancos would be willing to let him go for the right price – he only has a year left on his deal – and would bring back Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea were Lunin to leave. The diagnosis is that it is a saga that will go towards the end of the transfer window though.
Lunin is undoubtedly a quality back-up, but at just 32, it seems highly likely Courtois has many more years left in him if he remains fit. It seems equally probable that sooner or later, Lunin moves on. It may well be that he is considering simply waiting it out until January, when he can sign for another club without a fee, and likely earn more money.
I would wait and leave for free were I Lunin. Screw me once shame on you . . . screw me twice shame on me!