The powers that be behind the scenes at Spanish giants Real Madrid are ready to reward goalkeeper Andriy Lunin for his stellar recent performances.
The name of shot-stopper Lunin has of course taken its place front and centre in the headlines in Madrid over the course of the last 24 hours.
This comes fresh off what many have since described as his best-ever performance in the colours of Real.
Afforded a starting berth ahead of Kepa amid the ongoing injury absence of Thibaut Courtois, the Ukrainian proved himself the star of the show, in Los Blancos’ Champions League Last-16 first-leg downing of RB Leipzig.
Whilst Brahim Díaz stole the headlines courtesy of the game’s only goal, it was Lunin’s efforts at the other end which truly made the difference, the 25-year-old having racked up a record-equalling nine saves over the course of the 90 minutes.
And as much, it would appear, has only convinced the brass at the Santiago Bernabéu ever further of the need to tie Lunin down for the long-term.
Whilst the aforementioned Courtois will of course reclaim his status as no.1 upon returning to fitness over the coming months, Real Madrid are more than keen to keep Lunin as both backup, and competition.
The Ukrainian international could in turn even develop into Courtois’ long-term replacement.
As a result, as per Relevo, Florentino Pérez and co. are ‘considering offering him a renewal with a salary increase to try to keep him’.
Lunin, for his part, is now increasingly leaning towards staying put, too, meaning an agreement between the two parties should be found without too much fuss.
Conor Laird | GSFN
