Real Madrid’s plan locks Courtois in, Lunin as long‑term backup

At the Santiago Bernabéu, Real Madrid announced that 27‑year‑old Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois will stay for the new campaign, ruling out any summer sale despite ongoing speculation involving Andriy Lunin. The decision confirms the Merengues’ intention to keep both Courtois and Lunin as the core of their goalkeeping department. The club’s decision underscores confidence in the veteran keeper while keeping Lunin as a reliable backup. It also signals that the Merengues’ belief in Courtois remains strong despite his age and recent injury record. Club officials said the goalkeeper’s experience outweighs any concerns about his physical condition. They highlighted Courtois’ 27 years as merely a number, reinforcing his status as the first‑choice keeper. Courtois is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in world football, a claim that is hard to dispute. His long tenure at Real Madrid has also seen him assume a leadership role in the dressing room.

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Manager Jose Mourinho has confirmed Courtois will remain the first‑choice keeper, treating Courtois’ 27 years as merely a number. Mourinho’s confidence reinforces the Belgian’s status as the number one option for the season. Fitness concerns linked to Courtois’ age have highlighted the need for a reliable plan B. Andriy Lunin has fulfilled that role, stepping in for Courtois in 26 matches over the past two seasons.

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Defensa Central Real Madrid have no intention of selling Lunin, describing him as essential to their plans. The Merengues recently extended his contract to 2030, and Mourinho expects him to feature prominently next season. A photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images captured Lunin’s training session. Courtois now has only one year left on his deal, and the club is reportedly negotiating a renewal. While a future departure is not ruled out, his agent Jorge Mendes and a content family in Madrid suggest the Belgian is prepared to remain, with Lunin positioned as a potential successor. An image by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images showed Courtois interacting with teammates.