Real Madrid: the malaise that weighs down the locker room and the transfer window

Carlo Ancelotti has the king’s choice. Indeed, the Real Madrid coach has many stars under his command. In attack, everyone is waiting to know how he will use Kylian Mbappé, manage the young Endrick and make all his offensive elements coexist. But the Mister is used to this kind of thing. Last year, he had to manage the return from injury of Thibaut Courtois at the end of the season while Andriy Lunin had performed well in his absence. Despite this, it was the Belgian who kept the Madrid goals during the Champions League final won against Borussia Dortmund.

Lunin weighs down his club

And the former PSG coach clearly wants to continue like this. Indeed, in his mind, Courtois is still and always his number 1 goalkeeper. But that doesn’t seem to be to the taste of the Ukrainian, who wants to have more playing time now. He has shown that he has the shoulders and the qualities to be more than just a backup. Advised by Jorge Mendes since April, the 25-year-old goalkeeper is in a complex situation. Under contract until June 2025, he has discussed extending his lease until 2029. All the lights were therefore green.

The only problem is that the player has set his conditions to continue in Madrid. He wants more playing time to sign. But his club, very honest with him, has told him that this is impossible. Lunin must therefore make his choice: stay and extend knowing that he will not play or play little or leave. Two options that are not really the ones he is considering. AS explains that he intends to stay without extending his lease and therefore leave for free in a year. Which does not suit the Merengues, who do not want to let him go for free. His price has been set at €30 million according to Brand.

Kepa, the collateral victim

The Madrid players are at an impasse with their player. AS evokes a “faintness” Lunin. Very professional, the goalkeeper seems affected by the situation and this is felt in the locker room. His case also claims a victim since Kepa Arrizabalaga, who was on loan in 2023-24, is waiting in the waiting room. Indeed, the Spaniard, who Chelsea wants to sell, is ready to take on the role of Courtois’ understudy. But for him to come back, Lunin must leave. In the meantime, he is preparing, he who is not participating in the Blues’ summer tour. A logical choice since they want to sell him one year from the end of his contract.

Moreover, AS reveals that he refuses all offers, including those from Saudi Arabia in order to return to the Spanish capital. But his future is linked to that of Lunin, who did not play in the Clasico this weekend. A clear message from Ancelotti, who prefers Courtois. The latter also confided about his understudy. “Everyone has to choose what they consider best for themselves. It’s not up to me to decide for him. He played a lot last season and wants to continue to be on the pitch. Everyone has to decide for themselves. I chose my path many years ago, and he has to choose his to achieve the best of his career. He’s an excellent goalkeeper and deserves the best.” It remains to be seen what choice Lunin will make. Madrid and Kepa are hanging on his every word.