Real Madrid were expected to enter a new era under Xabi Alonso but his spell in charge at the Estadio Bernabeu is over. Los Blancos pulled the plug on Monday and replaced the Spaniard with Alvaro Arbeloa who will take charge on caretaker basis.
This means the club's recruitment plans are up in the air since they were eyeing profiles that fit Alonso's philosophy. But that doesn't just mean the focus on incomings will change as some of the squad might be pondering what their futures hold.
That's long been the case for Andriy Lunin who has been playing backup to Thibaut Courtois throughout his time at Madrid. The Ukrainian goalkeeper has made just two appearances across competitions this season.
Alonso could be followed out the Real Madrid door
Lunin might have hopes of replacing Courtois as Madrid's long-term number one in the future but he will want game time especially if Ukraine can qualify for this summer's World Cup. They face Sweden in the play-offs in March.
According to TEAMtalk, Tottenham Hotspur are monitoring Lunin and could pounce for the 26-year-old given his lack of minutes. The Lilywhites are enduring a calamitous season under Thomas Frank who is under pressure.
Frank hasn't been helped out by poor defending and his goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario who has been poor. The Italian has made glaring mistakes which have cost his side including in a 2-1 loss at home to Fulham.
Lunin fits the bill for Spurs given his age and experience, making 64 appearances in a Los Blancos jersey. He played a key role in Madrid's 2024 Champions League triumph, especially against Manchester City in the quarter-finals.
The Ukrainian will have four years left on his contract in the summer so there is no pressure on Los Blancos to sell. But he might be considering a departure due to his status as number two and the expectation that Courtois could play well into his late thirties.
Tottenham not the only potential suitors
If Lunin were to move this month it seems a switch to the Premier League is the most likely outcome. Spurs are joined in the race for the Ukraine international by Brighton and Nottingham Forest who are said to be keeping tabs on his situation.
Brighton don't really need to make a swift decision over their goalkeeping situation because Bert Verbruggen is proving an excellent shot-stopper. But Forest might be looking to replace Matz Sels who has come off the boil after a superb past season.
Florentino Perez is thought to consider Lunin as a frontrunner to eventually take over from Courtois between the sticks. But there's no indication that will happen anytime soon which casts doubts over him remaining at the Bernabeu.