Manchester United enters race to sign Andriy Lunin from Real Madrid
Ukrainian shot-stopper under United’s radar as club seeks stronger competition for Onana
Manchester United have entered the race to sign Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, as the Premier League giants look to bolster their goalkeeping department ahead of the 2025/26 season. The 26-year-old Ukrainian is currently the backup to Thibaut Courtois in Madrid and is reportedly open to exploring new opportunities for regular first-team football.
According to sources close to the negotiation, no formal bid has been submitted, but United’s interest is firm. The English club continues to evaluate alternatives for the goalkeeper position, especially with Altay Bayındır potentially on his way out.
Lunin’s future at Madrid remains uncertain
Despite showcasing strong performances in Courtois’ absence last season, Lunin has struggled to secure a permanent starting role at the Santiago Bernabéu. Real Madrid’s coaching staff values the Ukrainian’s consistency and professionalism, but with Courtois back to full fitness, Lunin is once again relegated to a secondary role.
That situation has drawn attention from clubs across Europe, with Manchester United now taking the lead. New United manager Rúben Amorim is reportedly eager to add competition for André Onana and believes Lunin could be a high-potential candidate.
United want greater defensive reliability
Manchester United’s defensive frailties last season have prompted the club to prioritize reinforcements at the back, including in goal. With Bayındır likely to depart, the Red Devils are in search of a goalkeeper who can both push Onana and step up when required.
Lunin, who has Champions League experience and has grown under pressure at Real Madrid, is seen as a goalkeeper entering his prime years. However, Madrid has not shown any indication of letting him go, especially after recently securing other key players for the new campaign.
Transfer talks expected to intensify
While negotiations are still in early stages, Manchester United may choose to step up contact in the coming weeks as the European transfer window progresses. Much will depend on whether Real Madrid would entertain an offer and whether Lunin is convinced he’ll play a more prominent role at Old Trafford.
With no shortage of suitors and a desire to play more regularly, Lunin’s future could be one of the key transfer stories to watch this summer.
