Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin may make a move during the winter transfer window. The 23-year-old joined the Great Whites of Madrid in 2018 as a young prospect. He showed great potential but struggled to climb up the ranks into the first team. Thibaut Courtois has been the number one choice for Carlo Ancelotti which may remain the same until the Belgian decides otherwise.
Lunin has had loan spells in La Liga with Real Valladolid, Leganes, and Real Oviedo. He has gained experience in the Spanish tier to develop his game and feels it is the right time for him to make a breakthrough.
However, he could only feature in 6 matches as Courtois returned to the squad against Sevilla. These appearances helped him raise the stakes in the transfer market. There is a high possibility the Ukrainian goalkeeper may leave Los Blancos for more playtime.
Yann Sommer: A veteran option to topple Lunin
Real Madrid has already started to venture into some options if Lunin was to leave in January. Switzerland International goalkeeper Yann Sommer could replace the 23-year-old in the Santiago Bernabeu. The 33-year-old has put on stellar performances in front of the goal for his club Borussia Monchengladbach and established himself as one of the best shot-stoppers in the Bundesliga.
He has been crucial in the German club’s qualification for Champions League. Sommer stayed in his home country until he left for Monchengladbach in 2014. It seems the veteran is close to visiting the Spanish capital in the coming months.
The Swiss goalie has made about 335 appearances for the Bundesliga side keeping 90 clean sheets. His presence on the pitch has made crucial differences with his defensive prowess and on-the-pitch callouts.
It will not be easy for Madrid to swoop in the goalkeeper with other top European clubs interested in the player. La Liga rivals Atletico Madrid is also keeping tabs on Sommer as well as Manchester United who are deciding over David De Gea’s future at Old Trafford.
Real Madrid plays it safe as they shortlist two keepers
However, bringing in Yann Sommer could only be a temporary solution for Real Madrid. Almeria keeper Federico Pacheco is also on the radar of the Merengues. The 30-year-old is a former La Fabricia talent who joined the youth academy back in 2006.
He left the club for more playtime in 2014 as he joined Deportivo Alaves. He has been a prominent figure between the sticks for the Basque club but left the club following their demotion into the Segunda division. Pacheco currently plays for Almeria and may agree to the opportunity to return to Real Madrid.
His current stint has limited him to just one appearance for the newly promoted side. Pacheco has fallen short of Fernando Martinez for the number-one spot at the goal. He is definitely looking to greener pastures after such a dismal start to the season. It all depends on Lunin’s decision to either stay at the club and fight for the first team spot or rather leave for more play-time.
