Real Madrid rule out the sale of 27-year-old star this summer – report | OneFootball

Real Madrid veteran Thibaut Courtois is one of the best goalkeepers in world football, and it is close to impossible to dispute that fact.

The Belgian star has been a mainstay for Real Madrid for a long time now and is currently one of the leaders of the dressing room.

Heading into the new season, his age seems to be just a number and the player will remain the number one choice of the manager.

If recent seasons have shown anything, however, it is that having a solid backup goalkeeper is essential. As Courtois ages, fitness no longer remains on his side and there are often situations where the club faces the need to have a reliable plan B.

Andriy Lunin has been that player in recent years.

Unwilling to sell

As reported by Defensa Central, Real Madrid currently have no intentions of parting ways with Andriy Lunin as they see him as essential to the club’s plans.

Set to stay. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

The Merengues renewed his contract until 2030 quite recently, and did so because they see him as a key cog. He may not be a starter, but Real Madrid and Jose Mourinho agree that he will have key minutes next season.

After all, Courtois has missed a staggering 26 games over the past two seasons – 15 in the 2024-25 season and 11 last season. In all those games, it is Lunin who has stood tall as a reliable force in goal.

Real Madrid also maintain a cordial relationship with his agent Jorge Mendes which plays a role in the final decision.

From the player’s perspective, he and his family are happy in Madrid and the 27-year-old has embraced the role of being a second-fiddle without any resistance.

Courtois’ successor?

Happy at Real Madrid. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

As matters stand, Courtois has only one year left on his contract. Given his age, assuming a departure at the end of it would not be far-fetched.

In such a scenario, Lunin would undoubtedly be a candidate to carry on the Belgian star’s legacy although the club are currently not considering moving on from him just yet.

As reported earlier today, Real Madrid are likely negotiating a contract renewal with their number one goalkeeper and hope for him to stick around for a little longer.

That, however, will likely not have an effect on Lunin’s situation.