Spanish outlet Fichajes reports that the January transfer window has kicked off a lot of talk within the Real Madrid office. Premier League clubs are intensifying their chase of Andriy Lunin. Tottenham Hotspur, Nottingham Forest, and Brighton have emerged as the primary suitors for the 26-year-old Ukrainian goalkeeper.
Why is Lunin in demand?
He currently wants to find regular first-team football. Real Madrid executives highly valued the player’s professionalism throughout his tenure. However, they appear willing to let him go this winter if an interested party meet their financial demands. Lunin recently signed a contract extension keeping him at the Santiago Bernabéu until 2030. Despite this, the fact that English sides really want to strengthen their goalkeeping departments has accelerated formal discussions.
The report highlights that Los Blancos have set an asking price of approximately €25 million for the shot-stopper. This figure represents Real Madrid’s assessment of his experience in high-pressure matches. Specialised portals currently estimate his market value at closer to €15 million.
Lunin has played 64 official matches for the Spanish giants. However, he largely serves as an understudy to Thibaut Courtois. The Ukrainian often comes into play only when the Belgian faces injury setbacks. Furthermore, the rapid rise of academy talent Javi Navarro has changed the club’s long-term planning.
This shift makes the bosses more open to a lucrative transfer. Real Madrid rejected Manchester United’s approach last summer because the club failed to meet the valuation. The way things look now, Real Madrid will authorise a sale if Tottenham Hotspur or their rivals present a convincing proposal that matches the €25 million price tag.
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Why Tottenham Lead the Charge for the Ukrainian Wall?
Thomas Frank specifically requires a goalkeeper who can genuinely challenge Guglielmo Vicario for the number one spot at Tottenham Hotspur. The North London club might view Lunin as the ideal candidate to raise the competitive standard within their squad.
He possesses the distribution skills and shot-stopping ability that modern systems demand. Nottingham Forest also seeks a goalkeeper of international pedigree to keep things steady during crucial moments. Meanwhile, Brighton continues to target smart acquisitions that align with its progressive style of play.
Spurs arguably have the most attractive sporting project for a player who wants to permanently leave the shadow of Courtois. Real Madrid holds all the cards in this negotiation due to the long-term contract they recently secured.
Even so, Florentino Pérez rarely stands in the way of a player who requests a transfer respectfully. Lunin has reached a big moment where he must play weekly to fulfil his potential. A move to the Premier League offers exactly that platform.
Javi Navarro’s rise gives the Spanish side the security it needs. They can let Lunin go without immediately seeking an expensive replacement. Consequently, Tottenham will likely win this race if they match the asking price.
The player surely prefers a club competing for European places. Unless one of the English clubs pays the full fee, Lunin might stay until summer. However, a January exit is becoming increasingly likely as all parties seem ready to make a deal.
