- 5 hours ago
Real Madrid hero signs new six-year deal ahead of Ballon d’Or ceremony
Robin Bairner
- 13 Sept 2024 13:46 BST
- 3 min read
Real Madrid have announced that goalkeeper Andriy Lunin has signed a new six-year contract with the Bernabeu side.
The 25-year-old Ukraine international goalkeeper emerged as an unlikely hero for Carlo Ancelotti’s side last season as they won the Champions League and has been rewarded for his play with a new long-term deal.
Lunin’s future had previously been in serious doubt. His previous deal expired at the end of the season, which could have allowed him to open contract talks with foreign teams from January onwards.
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Real Madrid, though, have moved to act quickly to tie down the keeper until the beginning of the next decade.
His performances last season were so strong, he has been invited to the Ballon d’Or ceremony next month as a candidate to win the Yashin Trophy, which is awarded to the best goalkeeper in the world.
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Lunin a breakthrough star
Lunin had been expected to play second fiddle to Thibaut Courtois, yet a long-term injury for the Belgian changed everything. Although Kepa Arrizabalaga was signed on loan from Chelsea to become the first-choice for the year, the Ukrainian eventually won the battle to keep goal for Los Blancos.
This is reflected in his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV), which rose to a career-high of €10 million towards the end of last season, having hovered around €4m for 18 months previously when he was primarily on the bench.
Current ETV
Andriy Lunin
GK
Real Madrid
Andriy Lunin
GK
Real Madrid
ETV Range
€6.2M - €10.4M
He turned in a number of memorable performances, with his display in the 1-0 win over RB Leipzig away from home in the Champions League last 16 in February especially impressive.
Ironically, he lost his place in goal for the final of the competition, in which Real Madrid beat Borussia Dortmund 2-0, but he had played a vital role in the team getting that far.
Lunin had joined Los Blancos at the age of 19, having previously turned out for Dnipro and Zorya Lyhansk in his homeland.
