Real Madrid have been very measured when it comes to signing players over the last few years. There was one occasion last summer though when they had to move away from their carefully set strategy and make a move. That was when Thibaut Courtois suffered a long-term injury before the campaign had even started.
Ultimately, the club ended up signing Kepa Arrizabalaga on loan from Chelsea. But he was not the only goalkeeper they were believed to be interested in.
In fact, there were rumours that Real Madrid had tried to sign Giorgi Mamardashvili on loan from Valencia as well but that did not materialise. And with Andriy Lunin's future at the club still clouded in uncertainty, the Georgian goalkeeper could have potentially been an option again this summer, especially after an impressive EURO 2024 campaign.
But as reported by Fabrizio Romano, Mamardashvili has agreed on personal terms with Liverpool. Valencia want a transfer package of €30 million fixed fee plus €10 million in add-ons.
Real Madrid-linked player agrees terms with Liverpool
Of course, any move for a goalkeeper this summer will depend on Lunin's future at Real Madrid. That situation still seems to be open. He was one of the best in Europe last season but saw himself back on the bench, despite barely putting a foot wrong, when Courtois returned to fitness.
Lunin could push for a move this summer. He could choose to stay for the season and run down his contract, which has only year left on it. Or he could decide to sign an extension with Real Madrid.
The situation is fluid. One can only hope that Lunin makes a decision soon. It would not be ideal if Lunin were to leave towards the end of the window. Finding a replacement at that point would be even more difficult than usual.