Real Madrid are an incredibly large sports entity, with rich history, both domestically and continentally. To keep up their great legacy for so long is a result of an amalgamation of decisions, which may seem small at the time but are made after careful and long consideration.
One of those conundrums involves the future of loan players. Particularly when those loan players impress, alongside others in the squad.
Carlo Ancelotti finds himself in this predicament this season, as Kepa Arrizabalaga has impressed during his loan spell, but so has a permanent member of the squad, Andriy Lunin. The 25-year-old Ukraine international has stepped up to the mark in the absence of Thibaut Courtois this year, becoming a real fan favourite at the Bernabeu.
Fabrizio Romano reveals Real Madrid’s final decision to discard key player
According to a report from Fabrizio Romano on X (formerly Twitter), Real Madrid will allow Kepa Arrizabalaga to return to Chelsea after his current loan deal expires in 2024. It is believed that Madrid will prioritise keeping Lunin, and would like to extend his current deal.
🚨⚪️ Kepa, set to leave Real Madrid as he will return to Chelsea at the end of loan spell in June.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 2, 2024
Real Madrid want to extend Lunin’s contract and they keep waiting for Courtois back in the summer.
↪️🔵 Kepa, back to Chelsea with decision to be made on his future. pic.twitter.com/V4Q0tdrPo1
Lunin has proven himself to be one of the best back-up goalkeepers in the world and he is a credit to Real Madrid. From the player's perspective, though, he is likely to demand a greater guarantee of game-time, since he is capable for starting at most European clubs.
Lunin won't be without his suitors, either. Most notably, Celtic were showing a keen interest in signing the Ukraine international as they prepare for Joe Hart's retirement. It remains to be seen whether The Hoops would be willing to cough up the funds, or if they even can find the means to do so.
Either way, it's a nice problem for Real Madrid to have. This season, they've had three excellent goalkeepers don the jersey. Ultimately, it is the right decision for Ancelotti to prioritise the development of Lunin, rather than spending useless money on signing Kepa.
Do you think Real Madrid have made the right decision to let Kepa Arrizabalaga go?