Real Madrid have so many talented players, but the harsh reality is that they cannot keep everyone. This even goes for players the club values highly for the future. With so much quality and competition, there are not enough spots for everyone, and some talented youngsters will have to be let go.
Backup goalkeeper Andriy Lunin is mulling over his options, as it is clear he will not start any time soon. Thibaut Courtois is the best in the world, and while Lunin is a top prospect who can start for several clubs in Europe, Real Madrid is not one of them.
His short-term decision could be a loan, but seeing how Courtois is unlikely to stop shining any time soon, the reality is that his long-term future could also lie outside Madrid – even if he does only go out on loan this summer.
Andriy Lunin’s Real Madrid contract expires in 2024
According to Sergio Lopez de Vicente of AS, Andriy Lunin’s contract with Real Madrid ends after the 2023/24 season. Therefore, if he were to go out on loan in 2022/23, Los Blancos may have to make a decision to sell him in the summer 2023 transfer window if Lunin decides not to sign an extension/renewal.
Lunin is too good to lose for free. As we saw in his recent starts against Atletico Madrid and Cadiz, Lunin has a lot of quality. He really is already one of the best goalkeepers in LaLiga, even though he is not a starter in Madrid.
So it is very possible – if not likely- for Lunin to leave the Merengue club in 2023. He could accrue more value on loan in 2022/23 with the right move to another LaLiga club, and then Real could formally field transfer offers for the young Ukrainian keeper in 2023.
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A lot depends on how Lunin sees his future and what he wants, but it is just about impossible to envision such a talented player willingly accepting a bench role. Real Madrid could very well be forced to sell this future star next year.