Andriy Lunin has endured much more than many believed. He has always been professional and has replied when Real Madrid needed him the most. Now his patience seems to be running out.
Last year he excelled when Courtois was seriously injured. Everyone remembers his heroic performance in the penalty shootout against Manchester City. However, the final was for the Belgian.
Lunin, Once Again in the Shadows When Important Matches Arrive
This season he has experienced a very similar situation. In the Copa del Rey, he has been the starter in all the tournament's matches. But in the final, once again, Courtois took the goal.
To top it off, the Belgian goalkeeper made a serious mistake in Ferran Torres's goal. That goal was decisive for Barça to take the title. That has finally exhausted Lunin's patience.
Florentino Already Looking for a New Backup in the White Goal
The departure of the Ukrainian is no longer a distant idea. The club is aware that he doesn't want to always be the second. That's why Florentino has started looking for his replacement.
There are two names that are very much liked in the offices of Bernabéu. They are Joan García, from Espanyol, and Kepa Arrizabalaga, who has already been in the squad this year. Both have very different profiles.
Joan García and Kepa, the Two Candidates Florentino Is Considering
Joan García is young, Spanish, and with great room for improvement. He has been key for Espanyol to fight to stay in the First Division. Additionally, he has a very good ball exit.
Kepa, meanwhile, knows the house and has international experience. His loan from Chelsea was brilliant, but he hasn't failed in important moments either. He would be delighted to play for Real Madrid again.
Florentino Must Decide Between Present and Future
Florentino now has a complex dilemma. He can bet on Joan's youth or keep Kepa for his adaptation to the locker room. The coach who arrives will also have a lot to say.
Lunin, meanwhile, is studying offers from several European destinations. He wants to be a starter and have continuity in a serious project. If he doesn't see options at Madrid, he will ask to leave in the summer.
The Future of the White Goal, Up in the Air
Everything will depend on what happens in the coming weeks. If Lunin leaves, Real Madrid will need to quickly secure the new second goalkeeper. Florentino doesn't want to repeat past mistakes.
The casting is already underway, and the decision can't take long. Courtois will remain the number one, but he needs reliable support. Lunin, after years of waiting, no longer wants to be that support.