Real Madrid fringe star rejected three offers in the summer; likely to get chances in Copa del Rey | OneFootball

Six games into the 2025/26 season, only three players from the Real Madrid first-team squad are yet to get any minutes under manager Xabi Alonso.

Two of them – Ferland Mendy and Endrick – have missed out through injury, although the latter finally returned to the squad vs Espanyol this past Saturday.

The third player without any minutes under Alonso happens to backup goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, who continues to be behind Thibaut Courtois in the pecking order.

Lunin rejected offers to leave Real Madrid

According to MARCA, Lunin had multiple opportunities to leave Real Madrid during the summer transfer window.

Indeed, both Galatasaray and Fenerbahce showed interest in taking the Ukrainian international to Turkey during the summer.

Lunin is yet to play this season. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Real Oviedo – newly promoted to La Liga – also considered bringing him back. The 26-year-old shot-stopper left fond memories there during his loan spell in 2019/20.

However, Lunin rejected all three proposals and opted to continue at Real Madrid, where he signed a new contract until 2030 last year.

The goalkeeper’s priority was always to remain at Real Madrid, even knowing that Courtois, one of the best goalkeepers in the world, was going to be the undisputed starter.

At present, only an injury to the Belgian would open the door for Lunin, although the Copa del Rey in January 2026 is seen up as his only realistic chance for minutes.

The outlook may appear bleak, but the 26-year-old insists he is content at both club and city. After limited opportunities last season (14 matches) and none so far this term, Lunin has chosen patience, trusting that his chance will come.