Atlético de Madrid are exploring the transfer market with a possibility that has shaken both sides of the Manzanares River: the arrival of a Real Madrid player. After the first LaLiga match, where Oblak 's performance left more doubts than certainties, Simeone has begun to consider alternatives. One of the names that has been talked about this summer is Andriy Lunin .
Simeone and the future of Atlético de Madrid's goalkeeping
Jan Oblak's performances at the start of the season have caused concern among the Atlético Madrid coaching staff. In the match against Villarreal, Oblak was not up to his usual standards. At 30 years old, and with attractive offers coming from Saudi Arabia, the Slovenian goalkeeper could be contemplating a change of scenery.
This is where Andriy Lunin comes in. At 25, the Ukrainian goalkeeper has shown on several occasions that he has the ability to be a starter in a big team. Although he has been in the shadow of Thibaut Courtois at Real Madrid, Lunin has seized opportunities when the Belgian has been absent.
Andriy Lunin, an opportunity for Atlético de Madrid
Atlético de Madrid see Lunin as a more than interesting option to reinforce their goalkeeping in the medium and long term. His youth, combined with his experience in an elite club, make him an ideal candidate to replace Oblak .
Lunin has a contract with Real Madrid until 2025, but the relationship with his club has not been entirely fluid in recent times. Florentino Pérez has offered him a renewal , but the economic conditions have not been to the liking of the Ukrainian goalkeeper, who feels valued but not indispensable at the White House. This situation leaves a door open for other clubs, such as Atlético de Madrid, to try to seduce him with an attractive sporting project and a much more prominent role.
Gil Marín's move and Simeone's interest
Miguel Ángel Gil Marín , the CEO of Atlético de Madrid, is aware of the need to maintain a competitive squad that is prepared for any eventuality. The strategy of the red-and-white club could involve tempting Lunin with the promise of being the goalkeeper in a team that aspires to everything.
The possible deal also has an important strategic component. Historically, relations between Atlético and Madrid in the transfer market have been tense. However, if Lunin decides not to renew and wait until his contract is close to expiry, Atlético could sign him without needing to negotiate directly with Real Madrid.
A move that could trigger reactions
The possible signing of Lunin by Atlético de Madrid has all the ingredients to trigger a great media stir. On a sporting level, it would be a move that would strengthen the red-and-white goal with a young and promising goalkeeper. For Real Madrid, losing Lunin without financial compensation would be a blow, as they would have to look for an alternative to replace Courtois.
Simeone is no stranger to strategic moves and knows that having a goalkeeper of Lunin's calibre would ensure the future of Atlético Madrid's goal. Oblak has been a fundamental pillar of Atlético's success over the last decade, but all cycles have an end, and Cholo seems to be preparing for what is to come.