Real Madrid have reportedly set their sights on seasoned Villarreal goalkeeper Sergio Asenjo as a potential replacement for second-choice stopper Andriy Lunin.
According to a report from Fichajes, Real Madrid are lining up replacements for second-choice goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, who is keen on an exit from the Santiago Bernabeu, with Villarreal’s Sergio Asenjo emerging as an option.
Lunin has been with Real Madrid for over three years now, having signed from Zorya Luhansk back in 2018. The 22-year-old has had loan spells away at Leganes, Real Valladolid and Real Oviedo. Since last year, he has been serving as Thibaut Courtois’ understudy but has hardly been given an opportunity in the starting XI.
Indeed, to date, Lunin has made just one appearance for Real Madrid – a 2-1 defeat to Alcoyano in the Copa del Rey in January earlier this year. The Ukrainian international is keen on securing an exit in the winter transfer window, having grown frustrated with his situation at the club, forcing Los Blancos to scour the market for a replacement.
Several names, such as former goalkeeper Antonio Adan, ex-Arsenal star David Ospina have been linked with a move to the Bernabeu, with Sergio Asenjo of Villarreal also emerging as a candidate to replace Lunin as the backup for first-choice custodian, Courtois.
Asenjo came through the ranks at Real Valladolid and was on the books of Real Madrid’s local rivals, Atletico Madrid, for five years between 2009 and 2014, although he spent a vast portion of that stint out on loan at different clubs. The 32-year-old joined Villarreal in 2014 and has been a regular for the Yellow Submarine ever since, racking up 253 appearances.
However, the one-time capped Spanish international has slipped down the pecking order this season, with manager Unai Emery preferring Geronimo Rulli between the sticks, relegating Asenjo to just three appearances across all competitions in 2021/22. With the veteran star’s contract running out at the end of the season, this has opened up the possibility of him leaving Villarreal in January for a cut-price fee.
And Real Madrid are now hoping to pounce on the opportunity by making a swoop for him as they eye a reliable replacement for Lunin. The 32-year-old is vastly experienced and has still some years left in the tank to offer, which would make him a handy addition for Los Blancos as far as a backup for Courtois goes. It now remains to be seen if Carlo Ancelotti & co. decide to go after the Villarreal ace or explore other options.
