A Real Madrid star has been offered to bitter rivals FC Barcelona by his agent, as reported by El Nacional citing anonymous sources. Andriy Lunin has emerged as a standout performer in the 2023/2024 season, playing a crucial role in Madrid's lead at the top of La Liga and their advancement to the Champions League quarterfinals where they are set to face Manchester City.
Lunin became the preferred goalkeeper for Carlo Ancelotti following Thibaut Courtois' injury at the start of the season. Despite initial attempts with Kepa on loan, Lunin's consistent performances secured his spot as the first-choice keeper. With Courtois facing another injury setback, Lunin is expected to retain his position until the end of the season.
Reports suggest that Real Madrid is considering a significant salary increase for their players, with interest also coming from Manchester United. The player, who recently joined Jorge Mendes' agency, is being offered to various clubs across Europe, including Barcelona.
Barcelona, led by Marc-Andre ter Stegen in goal, already possesses a top-class goalkeeper, making Lunin's potential move to the club uncertain. The strained relationship between the two clubs further complicates any transfer negotiations, especially amidst ongoing disputes such as Madrid's involvement in the 'Caso Negreira' case and allegations of influencing match officials.
In a recent interview, Barcelona's president criticized Madrid's actions and called for sanctions against the club. The rivalry between the two giants of Spanish football adds another layer of complexity to any potential transfer dealings between them.
