Andriy Lunin transfer speculation intensifies after Celtic reports

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Andriy Lunin has yet another club interested in his signing with Celtic said to be in the mix for his transfer.

Real Betis have joined a list of European sides interested in Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin. Betis’ current number one Claudio Bravo, is expected to retire at the end of the current season, and Lunin’s experience in La Liga mean that he is a strong contender to replace Bravo next season.

Lunin was also recently linked with a move to Chelsea in a potential swap deal involving Kepa Arrizabalaga who is currently on loan at Madrid. Madrid signed Arrizabalaga on loan in the summer after an ACL injury in training left number one Thibaut Courtois side-lined.

Lunin has only started two games in La Liga this season, despite Courtois’ injury. This lack of game time has left the goalkeeper frustrated and has further fuelled speculation about his potential departure from Madrid in the near future, with Celtic rumoured to be considering a bid.

The Daily Record first linked Celtic to a move for Lunin last month, with the Ukrainian international being part of a group of goalkeepers under consideration for the role of Celtic’s number one next season, with Joe Hart’s contract expiring next summer.

Joe Hart did respond to questions over an update on a potential contract extension in a press conference on Friday.

Hart said [Celtic FC]: “Nothing that I’m aware of. I’ve said it before, I’m staying out of that business. That’s for the people above my head to talk about.

“I’m just so focused on trying to do my best for this team, enjoy every moment, enjoy every minute and try to give myself to help as best I can.”

At 36 years old, Hart has a great amount of experience as a footballer but the former England international’s performances have dipped this season. Hart’s recent sending off against Livingston and his performance in the Champions League against Feyenoord have left room for criticism. This has led some to believe that he might depart Celtic at the end of the season, despite Hart having stabilised the goalkeeper position after joining in 2021. His arrival came in response to Vasilis Barkas’ lacklustre performances in the previous season, which contributed to Celtic finishing second in the Scottish Premiership.

Lunin’s struggle for minutes during his five years at Madrid raises doubts about a potential signing. The last time he made more than seven league appearances was in 2020 while on loan at Real Oviedo in the second division in Spain. Given that he hasn’t played as a first-team starter for three years, there are concerns about whether he is a capable replacement for Hart.