Real Madrid considering the sale of 27-year-old star; plan to replace him with academy gem | OneFootball

Javi Navarro was the hero for Real Madrid’s Under-19 team last night as they went on to win the UEFA Youth League, beating Club Brugge in the finals via penalty shootout.

The 19-year-old was also clutch for Los Blancos’ youth team in the semi-finals against PSG, saving three penalties then as well.

Given his heroics in recent weeks, Navarro is set to be rewarded with a first-team call-up for tonight’s La Liga clash against Deportivo Alaves.

Real Madrid’s plan for Navarro

Furthermore, according to OK Diario, Real Madrid intend to sell Andriy Lunin in the next transfer window and promote Javi Navarro to take over as the second-choice goalkeeper.

At 27 years of age, Lunin has spent his at Real Madrid largely as a backup to Thibaut Courtois. However, he has had moments of importance, particularly during the 2024 season when the team won both La Liga and the UEFA Champions League.

During that campaign, the Ukrainian goalkeeper played a key role following Courtois’ injury, featuring in crucial matches and helping the team reach the Champions League final, although he did not ultimately play in it.

Real Madrid to part ways with Lunin? (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

This season, he has again featured in important matches, including the Champions League Round-of-16 away tie in Manchester and the quarter-finals against Bayern Munich, although doubts about his performances have persisted.

Real Madrid’s academy has consistently produced strong goalkeepers, including Fran Gonzalez and Sergio Mestre, both of whom have been called up to the first team.

Now, another promising figure has emerged in Navarro, who is highly regarded within the club and has already trained with the first team on several occasions, including in Munich.

Following his heroics for Alvaro Lopez’s side in the Youth League semi-finals and finals, there is serious consideration at Real Madrid to promote him to the senior team next season and offload Lunin.