Celtic could now find it quite easy to replace Joe Hart this summer when the England international retires.
The 36-year-old announced back in February that he will be hanging up his gloves at the end of the 2023/24 campaign, meaning Brendan Rodgers needs to find a new No.1 at Celtic Park.
A story from the Daily Record mentioned that Real Madrid No.13 Andriy Lunin was wanted by the Northern Irishman to replace Joe Hart – and that switch could now be possible…
Real Madrid now willing to sell Celtic target Andriy Lunin
Well, Thibaut Courtois had endured a nightmarish campaign with injuries, while Kepa Arrizabalaga – signed on loan from Chelsea last summer – has struggled to deputise for the Belgian.
That has seen Carlo Ancelotti turn to Lunin, and the Ukraine international has performed heroically for Real Madrid with eight clean sheets across 17 appearances in La Liga.
The 25-year-old’s rise from third choice glovesman to hero has made him a fan favourite at the Santiago Bernabeu, while he has also earned respect from Club President Florentino Perez.
As such, the Spaniard will allow Lunin to leave this summer if he chooses to depart in search of regular playing time – according to Defensa Central – with Real Madrid intending to have Courtois back as No.1 next season.
The Spanish news outlet believe Real Madrid would love to keep the Ukrainian as a backup for the Belgium international when he regains full fitness and are preparing a new contract, but recognise that he may want to continue playing as a No.1 somewhere else.
Lunin – who Real Madrid signed from Zorya Luhansk for €14m (£12m) back in 2018 – will soon have just 12 months remaining on his contract, which expires in July 2025.
Brendan Rodgers may have a tough time convincing 25-year-old to replace Joe Hart
Rodgers may have a task on his hands to convince Lunin, as the man from Krasnohrad has previously said he loves Real Madrid, and would ideally like to stay despite his lack of playing time.
In October 2023, Madrid Xtra quoted the Real Madrid No.13 as saying: “At the end of last season I was thinking about it (leaving Real Madrid).
“It’s normal when you don’t play, but Real Madrid has always been a dream since I was young, you don’t really want to leave.”
Therefore, Rodgers will surely have to promise Lunin an immediate No.1 role – and perhaps more – if Celtic are to sign the Real Madrid fan favourite this summer.
The post Report: President now willing to sell £12m goalkeeper who Celtic want to replace Joe Hart appeared first on TBR Football.