Juventus weigh Andriy Lunin loan approach as Real Madrid stance emerges

Juventus are preparing to explore a loan deal for Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, although the Spanish club are not currently considering the Ukraine international’s departure.

The Italian side are expected to make an approach for Lunin soon, according to Defensa Central, which cited journalist Filippo Cornacchia of La Gazzetta dello Sport. Juventus are looking to strengthen their goalkeeping options and have identified the Real Madrid player as a possible solution on a temporary basis.

Their preferred target, however, is Zion Suzuki. Juventus first want to try to secure the Japan goalkeeper on loan from Parma, following his move to the Italian club after a spell with Paris Saint-Germain.

If negotiations with Parma do not progress quickly, Juventus could switch their attention to Lunin. The Turin club, now managed by Luciano Spalletti, have reportedly placed the Real Madrid goalkeeper’s name on their list of alternative options.

A loan move would nevertheless face resistance from Real Madrid. The Spanish club are not planning to allow Lunin to leave, despite the player’s status as a reserve goalkeeper for much of his time at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Lunin has started Real Madrid’s matches during the current pre-season period. His opportunities have increased after Thibaut Courtois returned to Valdebebas only a few days ago, leaving the Ukrainian in the starting line-up for the team’s early preparation games.

That run of appearances has revived attention around Lunin, who produced some of the best performances of his Real Madrid career during the 2023-24 season. Even so, the club’s position remains that he should continue in Madrid.

Lunin renewed his contract with Real Madrid about two years ago, with the agreement keeping him at the club until 2030. That long-term commitment is another indication that the Spanish side do not currently intend to sanction his departure, whether on loan or permanently.

The goalkeeper’s market value was previously estimated at 25m euros by Transfermarkt, but the website now places it at 12m euros. No figure has been reported from Italy for the amount Juventus would be prepared to pay to take Lunin on loan.

Juventus’ immediate priority remains Suzuki, but a failure to reach an agreement with Parma could lead them to pursue Lunin instead. Any such move would depend not only on the Italian club’s proposal but also on whether Real Madrid change their present position on the goalkeeper.

For now, Juventus are considering Lunin as an alternative, while Real Madrid are expected to reject an approach for a player whose contract runs for a further four years.