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’s confirmation that Andriy Lunin will remain at Real Madrid despite significant interest, particularly from Liverpool, is a clear statement of the club’s faith in the Ukrainian goalkeeper. Lunin played a crucial role for Los Blancos last season during Thibaut Courtois’ injury absence, proving his quality as a dependable shot-stopper under pressure. Ancelotti’s assurance that Lunin is staying reflects the club’s desire to maintain strong depth in the goalkeeping department, especially with the uncertainty over Courtois’ long-term fitness.
Lunin’s current contract situation—set to expire in 2025—adds another layer of intrigue. Real Madrid will likely push to extend his contract to avoid losing him on a free transfer. Lunin’s performances and Ancelotti’s endorsement suggest he remains a vital part of the squad’s future plans.
Meanwhile, Liverpool, who were actively seeking a reliable backup and long-term successor to Alisson Becker, appear to have moved on from their pursuit of Lunin. They are now reportedly close to signing Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia. The deal, valued at around £25 million, includes a loan-back arrangement that would keep the Georgian goalkeeper at Valencia until 2025. This move aligns with Liverpool’s long-term strategy, ensuring they have a successor lined up for Alisson while still benefiting from his presence in the near future.
Both clubs seem to have found stability in their goalkeeping options, with Real Madrid securing Lunin’s services for another season and Liverpool taking a proactive approach to their future with the impending arrival of Mamardashvili.
