Saudi Pro League giants Al-Ittihad are reportedly interested in signing 25-year-old Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin this summer.
According to reputed Italian journalist Rudy Galetti, Andriy Lunin is the subject of interest from Al-Ittihad. The Saudi Pro League giants have been scouring the market for a goalkeeper heading into the summer transfer window. The Real Madrid goalkeeper has thus emerged as a target, with the 25-year-old open to talks with the former champions.
Andriy Lunin and his Real Madrid journey
Andriy Lunin has had his struggles and needed to bide his time before featuring prominently for Real Madrid. A native of Krasnograd, Kharkiv Oblast, he spent his formative years in his homeland before joining Real Madrid in July 2018. However, he had to suffice by receiving game time in cup games or during his three loan spells.
The 25-year-old finally got his opportunity last season after Thibaut Courtois picked up a long-term knee injury. That allowed Lunin to enjoy his breakthrough campaign at Real Madrid, as he turned out 31 times across all competitions while conceding 32 goals and keeping 12 clean sheets.
However, Andriy Lunin’s long-term future at Real Madrid is uncertain despite his breakthrough campaign. With Courtois regaining his fitness, the Ukrainian international will return to his previous role of deputy goalkeeper. So, it is hardly surprising that widespread reports have linked him with several well-known clubs, with Al-Ittihad among his prospective suitors in the summer transfer window.
Shock Saudi move on the horizon?
Al-Ittihad’s interest in Andriy Lunin is understandable. The Saudi Pro League giants are keen on heavily reinforcing their squad in the summer transfer window after meekly surrendering their crown last season. So, they have set their sights on many world-class players, including Kevin De Bruyne and Casemiro.
The big-spending Saudi giants are also keen on signing a goalkeeper, with Chelsea outcast and former Real Madrid player Kepa Arrizabalaga among their targets. However, Lunin also features on Al-Ittihad’s wishlist, with the 25-year-old Real Madrid goalkeeper open to talks.
The Ukrainian international has given his approval to meet the PIF representatives next week to understand better the terms of the offer they want to present to him. So, a surprise move to the Saudi Pro League might be on the cards for the Real Madrid shot-stopper this summer.
