Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Andriy Lunin, one of the club’s standout players from last season, will remain at the Santiago Bernabéu despite interest from several top European clubs, including Liverpool.
The 25-year-old Ukrainian goalkeeper was instrumental for Real Madrid last season, stepping up in the absence of Thibaut Courtois, who was sidelined with a long-term injury. Lunin’s impressive performances filled the void left by Courtois, showcasing his shot-stopping ability and calmness under pressure.
However, with Courtois now back to full fitness and reclaiming his position as the first-choice goalkeeper, speculation had grown regarding Lunin’s future at the club. Liverpool, in particular, had been linked with a move for the Ukrainian, as they searched for a reliable backup and potential successor to Alisson Becker.
Despite the rumors, Ancelotti made it clear after Real Madrid’s 3-0 victory over Real Valladolid that Lunin is staying put. “Lunin will stay at Real Madrid. He will not leave the club,” Ancelotti told reporters, putting an end to any uncertainty surrounding the goalkeeper’s immediate future.
Lunin’s current contract with Real Madrid is set to expire at the end of the season, which means he could leave the club on a free transfer in 2025 if a new deal isn’t agreed upon. Nonetheless, Ancelotti’s confidence in Lunin’s abilities and his importance to the squad suggests that the club may seek to secure his services beyond this season.
Meanwhile, Liverpool, who were keen on signing Lunin, are now reportedly close to finalizing a deal for Valencia’s Giorgi Mamardashvili. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Merseyside club is advancing negotiations for the Georgian goalkeeper in a transfer worth around £25 million. The deal would see Mamardashvili stay on loan at Valencia for the season before joining Liverpool in 2025.
Alisson Becker, Liverpool’s current No. 1, has welcomed the club’s proactive approach in securing a future replacement. “The club needs to prepare for the future,” Alisson told The Times. “I still have a lot to give, but it’s good to see the club planning ahead.”
With Lunin’s future at Real Madrid confirmed, and Liverpool seemingly closing in on Mamardashvili, the goalkeeping situations at both clubs appear to be settled, at least for the time being.Carlo Ancelotti has officially confirmed that Andriy Lunin will remain at Real Madrid, dispelling rumors about a potential move away from the Santiago Bernabéu. The 25-year-old Ukrainian goalkeeper played a crucial role last season, stepping up admirably in the absence of Thibaut Courtois due to injury. Lunin’s solid performances drew interest from top European clubs, notably Liverpool, who were reportedly considering him as a backup and eventual successor to Alisson Becker.
Despite speculation, Ancelotti affirmed after Real Madrid’s 3-0 win over Real Valladolid that Lunin is staying with the club. With Courtois back to full fitness, Lunin is expected to return to a backup role, but Ancelotti’s remarks indicate that Lunin remains an important part of the squad.
Lunin’s contract with Real Madrid expires at the end of the season, raising questions about his long-term future. However, Ancelotti’s confidence suggests that Real Madrid may work on extending his contract to keep him beyond 2025.
Meanwhile, Liverpool, after being linked with Lunin, have shifted focus to Valencia’s Giorgi Mamardashvili. According to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool is close to securing the Georgian goalkeeper in a deal worth around £25 million, with Mamardashvili expected to stay on loan at Valencia for the season before joining Liverpool in 2025. Alisson Becker has praised Liverpool’s forward-thinking strategy, emphasizing the importance of planning for the future even as he remains their first-choice keeper.
With these developments, the goalkeeping situations at Real Madrid and Liverpool seem settled, with both clubs securing options for the present and future.
