Football
It’s decided! Real already know what the goalkeeping line-up will be next season. What will happen to the injured Courtois, the blossoming Lunin and Chelsea’s Kepa?
Real Madrid currently have three quality goalkeepers in their squad. However, Thibaut Courtois is injured for a long time, so Andriy Lunin and Kepa Arrizabalaga are taking turns in goal. Which goalkeepers will play for the White Ballet next season?
Real Madrid currently have three quality goalkeepers in their squad. However, Thibaut Courtois is injured for a long time, so Andriy Lunin and Kepa Arrizabalaga are taking turns in goal. Which goalkeepers will play for the White Ballet next season?
When Real’s clear number one Courtois was injured at the start of the season, many fans were worried about how the management would solve the goalkeeping issue. Not everyone was completely happy with Kepa’s arrival on loan from Chelsea.
Probably few expected that Kepa wasn’t actually needed that much. He was pushed out of the goal by Lunin, the until then unassuming substitute, who put in an excellent performance.
Lunin is currently Real’s clear number one, plus other big clubs are circling around him. However, the White Ballet want to keep him in the squad for next season.
It remains to be seen whether there will be a change in the hierarchy. Lunin will face Courtois, who will return from injury, for the number one spot. It will be interesting to see what form the Belgian will be back in.
What is virtually certain, however, is that Kepa, who would become only third in the pecking order when Courtois returns, will not stay at Real next season and will return to Chelsea.
According to renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano, Real’s management will not seek a permanent transfer or another loan move for the Spanish goalkeeper.
Kepa has played 12 games in La Liga this season, Lunin has played 18. The Ukrainian’s performances look more reliable and Kepa will probably not be allowed in goal by Lunin for the rest of the season.
Real Madrid want to extend Lunin’s current contract and negotiations with the 25-year-old goalkeeper are currently in the early stages. However, the club have already made it clear to the Ukrainian that they are clearly counting on him.
Sources: Fabrizio Roman, X, inFotbal