Newcastle United Dealt Major Blow in the Race to Sign Real Madrid Star – Report | OneFootball

Newcastle United Hit Wall in Pursuit of Lunin as Real Madrid Shut Door

Newcastle United’s bid to bolster their goalkeeping ranks ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League season has been met with a firm and resolute refusal from Real Madrid, according to CaughtOffside. The Magpies recently tabled a €3 million loan offer for Ukrainian international Andriy Lunin, only to see it swiftly knocked back by the La Liga giants.

The offer, which sources describe as structured to provide a short-term solution while fitting within Financial Fair Play limits, did little to convince Madrid’s hierarchy. Lunin, 26, may have featured just 14 times last season, but remains a key part of the long-term project at the Bernabéu.

Lunin Off-Limits for Now

Madrid’s stance, according to insiders quoted by CaughtOffside, was “unequivocal,” with the club making it clear that the goalkeeper “is not for sale or loan at this moment in time.” That clarity will frustrate those at St. James’ Park who had hoped to add a reliable deputy, or potentially a challenger, for Nick Pope.

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Lunin has recently signed a contract extension that ties him to Madrid until 2030, a commitment which underlines how highly he is valued. While still officially number two behind the returning Thibaut Courtois, Lunin is said to be “content with his role in Madrid,” according to the report. He is also believed to admire “the club’s project” and has shown patience as he develops “under the guidance of one of the world’s top coaching teams.”

It is clear that Real Madrid see Lunin not just as a back-up but as a player central to their long-term squad structure. His professionalism and willingness to remain part of the squad hierarchy have impressed both within Madrid and across Europe.

Manchester United Monitoring Developments

Newcastle are not alone in their interest. Manchester United are also “keeping close tabs” on Lunin’s situation. With uncertainty still surrounding their goalkeeping department, United have identified the Ukrainian as a viable option should a deal become possible.

However, as the article points out, “United are approaching the situation cautiously” and recognise the high valuation that Madrid would place on any potential permanent deal.

Both clubs may be forced to explore other targets unless one of them is willing to significantly raise their offer. Given Madrid’s firm stance, that looks unlikely in the current window.

Strategic Setback for Newcastle

This development represents a blow to Newcastle’s summer strategy. With key areas of the squad needing reinforcements and Financial Fair Play concerns looming, the Magpies must now pivot quickly. Lunin was seen as a cost-effective option capable of stepping into high-pressure situations.

CaughtOffside’s report adds weight to the growing sense that Newcastle’s recruitment team will need to show agility in identifying alternative candidates. With time ticking ahead of the new campaign, fans will be eager to see who the club turn to next.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

This feels like a real gut punch. We’ve spent all summer hoping the club had a plan between the sticks, especially with Nick Pope’s fitness being a major concern after last season. The interest in Lunin made sense: experienced, proven on the big stage, and potentially available on loan. It looked like a clever, low-risk move that wouldn’t strain our spending power.

So to hear that Real Madrid have flatly refused and see him as “not for sale or loan” is concerning. It suggests our recruitment team might have misjudged either the player’s availability or the seriousness of Madrid’s long-term plans for him. And if United are already in the wings and still won’t bite, it tells you how high the price would need to be.

We can’t afford to keep missing out. Other clubs are acting swiftly, and we’re stuck with the same old story of inflated prices and failed bids. Let’s just hope there’s a solid Plan B in place, because right now, the silence is deafening.