Real Madrid hasn't completed its squad planning for next season. With just a few weeks left before the transfer window closes, there could still be some surprises. Nothing is ruled out: neither possible arrivals nor unexpected departures. It's in the latter where a figure like José Mourinho comes in, as he's interested in taking a Real Madrid player to Türkiye.
Mourinho's request
"Fichajes.net" has revealed that Fenerbahçe has "burst onto the scene" to sign Andriy Lunin from Santiago Bernabéu. The Turkish side are looking for a top-level goalkeeper and have focused their efforts on signing the Ukrainian. They have an ambitious strategy to secure qualification for the Champions League through the preliminary rounds.
If they succeed, José Mourinho's side are willing to make a significant financial effort to complete the signing of Andriy Lunin.
Whenever possible, Lunin has made it clear that he'd like to be a starter and an important player. He's more than capable of that, but at Real Madrid he has Courtois ahead of him. Given the current situation, a departure can't be ruled out, with Fenerbahçe interested and planning to propose a very beneficial deal.
The idea in Türkiye is to sign Andriy Lunin on loan with a purchase option. The price would be close to €20 million (about $21.7 million), which could be enough to secure his departure from Madrid. So far, however, it's unknown whether the Ukrainian would be interested in leaving the Spanish capital to join Fenerbahçe.
A goalkeeper in the shadows
At Real Madrid, Andriy Lunin's presence sparks constant debate among fans. The 26-year-old Ukrainian goalkeeper has shown on multiple occasions that he has enough quality to be a starter at a top European club. His reaction speed, cat-like reflexes, and reliability in one-on-one situations make him a dependable goalkeeper every time he's draftedon to defend the goal.
However, Lunin lives with a reality that limits his playing time: the presence of Thibaut Courtois. The Belgian, considered by many to be the best goalkeeper in the world, is undisputed for the coaching staff and keeps the Ukrainian in a secondary role. Despite everything, Lunin has faced this situation with professionalism and commitment, never raising his voice and making the most of every opportunity to prove himself.
In key matches in the Copa del Rey, Champions League, or LaLiga, Lunin has replied with high-level performances, making it clear that Real Madrid has a top-level backup. His ability to keep his focus after long periods without playing is a trait that speaks to his maturity and competitive mentality.
The challenge for Andriy Lunin will be to decide whether to continue his career at Santiago Bernabéu in Courtois's shadow or seek a new destination where he can be the undisputed starter. José Mourinho remains on standby.