"Everyone has to choose what they think is right. It's not up to me to decide for him. I understand that he played a lot last year and that he wants to continue playing. He has to choose his own path to reach the maximum in his career. He's an excellent goalkeeper and he deserves the best," Courtois said, as quoted by AS.
Lunin has been playing for Real Madrid since the summer of 2018. During this period, he has appeared in 48 matches in all competitions, keeping a clean sheet in 16 of them. The player's current employment contract with the club is valid until the summer of 2025. According to information provided on the Transfermarkt portal, the player's market value is €25 million.
Lunin’s journey with Real Madrid has been one of steady progress and growing potential. The young goalkeeper joined the club at the age of 19, determined to make his mark on the world’s most prestigious stage. Despite facing stiff competition from the experienced Thibaut Courtois, Lunin remained patient and dedicated, working tirelessly to improve his skills and cement his place in the team.
In the 2018–19 season, Lunin spent the campaign on loan at Real Valladolid, where he gained valuable first-team experience and demonstrated his shot-stopping abilities. The following year, he was loaned to Oviedo, where he further honed his skills and gained recognition in the Spanish football landscape.
Upon his return to Real Madrid, Lunin gradually gained the trust of the coaching staff, making sporadic appearances in domestic cup competitions and the Champions League. His performances were consistently solid, demonstrating his composure under pressure and his ability to organise the defence.
One of the highlights of Lunin's career came in the 2021-22 season, when he was called upon to replace the injured Courtois in a crucial Champions League match against Chelsea. Lunin rose to the challenge brilliantly and helped Real Madrid secure a decisive victory and progress to the next round of the competition.
Courtois' praise for Lunin is testament to the young goalkeeper's potential and the faith the club has placed in him. The veteran Belgian international recognises Lunin's talent and acknowledges the importance of allowing him to chart his own path, rather than imposing expectations or limiting his development.
As Lunin continues to grow and develop, he finds himself at an exciting crossroads in his career. With Courtois firmly established as the number one goalkeeper, Lunin must weigh his options carefully, wondering whether he should stay at Real Madrid and fight for game time or explore opportunities elsewhere that could offer him more regular minutes.
