Real Madrid star wants improved contract offer to stay; Los Blancos open to selling this summer - Reports
Real Madrid back-up goalkeeper Andriy Lunin's future remains uncertain despite a verbal agreement with the club to renew his contract. The 25-year-old reportedly agreed to a long-term contract extension with Los Blancos towards the end of last season but is yet to put pen to paper on the deal.
According to Relevo, Lunin and his agent Jorge Mendes are looking for improved terms for the Ukrainian to continue at the club. The revised demand is driven by Lunin's performances in Thibaut Courtois' absence for a large part of last season. Despite playing most of last season and having a big hand in the club's success, the former Dnipro youth product was benched for the Champions League final for the returning Courtois.
The Spanish giants won the La Liga title, the Champions League, and the Supercopa de Espana last season. Lunin, meanwhile, featured 31 times across competitions in the 2023-24 campaign and kept 12 clean sheets.
Real Madrid have reportedly clearly communicated to Mendes and his client that they will not budge from the terms agreed in March and April. They even insisted that despite Lunin's performances, Courtois remains their number one choice between the sticks.
Real Madrid open to selling the Ukrainian
Last month, Lunin spoke to Marca about his future and contract situation at Real Madrid. When asked if he wanted to remain at the Bernabeu, the 25-year-old replied:
"Obviously, but, well, all I can say is that everything went well with Madrid and that is now in the hands of Madrid. That's what I can say about my future."
But he remained coy and stated the situation was not entirely in his hands.
"Well, I said what I meant. Soon... Well, I don't know what's going to happen either," said the goalkeeper.
Lunin has entered the final year of his contract and Real Madrid are open to selling him for the right price, as per Relevo.
The 15-time European champions would look at bringing back Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea in case of Lunin's departure. Kepa spent last season on loan at Real Madrid, representing the club 20 times across competitions.