End to the Lunin case: Real Madrid makes the final decision about the goalkeeper position

Real Madrid has been caught up in multiple transfer market rumors in recent weeks. The change of coach for the first team has made it easier for speculation to arise about the reinforcements planned from the Valdebebas offices, aimed at correcting this season's performance.

One of the most notable conversations, aside from the need to reform the depleted Madrid line and add reinforcements to the midfield, was about the goalkeeping position. Thibaut Courtois has suffered some injuries over the past two years, slightly weakening his position as the undisputed starter, as well as his continuity in the schedule. The Belgian goalkeeper is under contract until the summer of 2026.

But in the Valdebebas offices, they're not thinking about anything other than his contract renewal. The goalkeeper from Bree could see his stay in Santiago Bernabéu locker room extended until the summer of 2028, a future that considerably complicates the aspirations of the second Madrid goalkeeper. Andriy Lunin is still waiting for his moment to be the first-choice keeper with a contract set to expire in mid-2030.

The Ukrainian goalkeeper's competition wouldn't come only from Courtois himself, but also from a candidate that the white club's sporting management had on their radar some time ago. His signing for the first team, however, has been frustrated... and consolidates Lunin as the chosen goalkeeper to succeed Thibaut Courtois in Real Madrid's goal in the near future.

The competition is over

Joan García's name added considerable instability to Andriy Lunin's continuity in the first team. The strong performance shown by the RCD Espanyol goalkeeper this season has attracted the interest of elite European clubs: Real Madrid and FC Barcelona were among his offers.

However, the Merengue club would have lost a great deal of momentum in recent weeks in the hypothetical signing of Joan García, according to information published in "Relevo". Journalist Xavi Espinosa, correspondent for the aforementioned outlet, warns that Joan García is very close to deciding on the next step in his football career. The team he isn't considering for making the leap to the top level of European soccer is Real Madrid, Espinosa states.

Given the situation, the "Perico" goalkeeper would only have in mind the possibility of signing for FC Barcelona or English side Newcastle. "His departure is imminent," recalls the "Relevo" journalist, regarding a signing that has lost all appeal for Real Madrid. Not only because of the strength of the competition involved in this transfer of the Spanish goalkeeper.

Joan García's release clause is kept at €25 million. Luis de la Fuente has left him out of his next Spanish national team squad, thus preventing that exit barrier from rising to €30 million. In any case, Real Madrid seems to have a clear succession plan for the first team's goal, at least for now.