If there are no injuries, Thibaut Courtois will still be Real Madrid’s number one goalkeeper next season, but the backup for him has not been specifically determined yet.
In the past season, the Belgian goalkeeper spent almost the entire campaign sidelined, only returning in the latter stages. However, Courtois quickly regained his form and displaced Real Madrid’s hero Andriy Lunin to the bench.
Given the current situation, there will certainly be no changes in the role of guarding Los Blancos’ goal next season. However, across multiple fronts and considering Courtois’ injury history, Real Madrid needs a backup option of sufficient quality. So, who will step into that role remains uncertain.
1. Andriy Lunin
The future of the Ukrainian international is a hot topic at the Santiago Bernabeu. This is because with his impressive performances in the 2023/24 season, Lunin desires a regular starting position, not just accepting a backup role. However, this is not something that the “White Herons” can offer him at the moment.
Several renowned teams are reportedly in contact with Real Madrid to negotiate regarding Andriy Lunin’s situation, but there has been no progress so far. The likelihood of the Ukrainian goalkeeper leaving is quite high, but the possibility of him staying for a few more years to await his chance, especially with Courtois being 32 years old, is not negligible.
If they manage to convince Lunin to stay, he would naturally be the second-choice option, and even Ancelotti might give him opportunities to start in some smaller matches. Everything now depends entirely on the decision of this 1999-born young man.
2. Joan Garcia
If Andriy Lunin is determined to seek a starting role elsewhere, Real Madrid may turn to Espanyol to inquire about young goalkeeper Joan Garcia, who had an impressive 2023/24 campaign for Stage Front. Last season, Garcia kept a clean sheet in 11 out of 19 appearances, conceding only 9 goals.
These are highly notable statistics, enough to secure him a backup position at Santiago Bernabeu. Real Madrid also aims to foster the development of a Spanish goalkeeper. Memories of the legend Iker Casillas remain vivid among Real Madrid supporters, so there’s every reason for them to support Joan Garcia.
3. Kepa Arrizabalaga
In fact, immediately after Courtois was injured before the start of the 2023/24 season, Real Madrid borrowed Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea with the intention of having him temporarily fill the role of the number one goalkeeper. However, a combination of injuries and a decline in form saw him lose his place to Andriy Lunin thereafter.
Returning to the current situation, if Real Madrid cannot persuade Lunin to stay and also fail with Joan Garcia, there is no reason why they wouldn’t propose extending the loan of Arrizabalaga from the English club. Essentially, this 1994-born goalkeeper remains a reliable backup option who can support Courtois.