Neither Kobel nor Donnarumma: Guardiola wants this goalkeeper, he will succeed Courtois in Madrid

Manchester City is preparing a change in its goal. With Ederson possibly leaving for Galatasaray, Pep Guardiola already has his target clear: Andriy Lunin.

The Ukrainian goalkeeper, currently Thibaut Courtois's backup at Real Madrid, is the Catalan coach's great obsession. He believes he has everything to become the new leader between the posts at Etihad Stadium.

The night that changed everything

Lunin has already left his mark in Manchester. It was in April 2024, in the second leg of the Champions League quarterfinals. At the Etihad, against City, he delivered an epic performance.

For more than 75 min. (75 minutes), he kept Madrid in the game with saves of enormous merit. Only Kevin De Bruyne managed to beat him, and he could do nothing to prevent that draw.

Then, in the penalty shootout, he was the absolute hero. He stopped the shots from Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic, taking Madrid to the semifinals. That day, the soccer world met the real Lunin.

Real Madrid would end up lifting the Champions League against Borussia Dortmund. Without the Ukrainian's hands, that European glory would've been impossible.

The offer from Manchester City

Guardiola has asked the 'citizen' board to make an effort. According to sources close to the club, City would be willing to offer €45 million guaranteed plus €15 million in add-ons.

Real Madrid won't make it easy. Lunin renewed his contract until 2030 and is seen as a possible successor to Courtois, who is already 33 years old.

Even so, the Ukrainian is considering the option of leaving. At 26 years old, he wants to be a starter at a big club and play all the important minutes.

Decision at Valdebebas

Florentino Pérez and José Ángel Sánchez are studying the situation. If they accept the offer, Madrid would have to look for a reliable goalkeeper.

Meanwhile, Guardiola insists on his plan. He doesn't want Kobel or Donnarumma. He believes that Lunin fits perfectly into his play style.

The operation could speed up if Ederson confirms his departure. City wants to close the signing before the start of preseason.

Lunin is on the radar of half of Europe. But Guardiola sees him as his personal bet. If he arrives at the Etihad, the Manchester hero will return this time as Real Madrid's rival.