Three reasons why Real Madrid must sign Kepa Arrizabalaga

Real Madrid’s goalkeeping situation has been a hot topic this season following the injury to Thibaut Courtois. The Belgian shot-stopper suffered an ACL injury in August, sidelining him for most of the campaign. This unexpected setback left Los Blancos scrambling for a reliable replacement, as the coaching staff had limited confidence in their second-choice keeper, Andriy Lunin.

In response, Real Madrid moved swiftly in the transfer market, securing Kepa Arrizabalaga on a season-long loan from Chelsea. This deal came just as Kepa was on the brink of joining Bayern Munich, with Real Madrid swooping in at the last moment. However, despite starting as Real’s first-choice goalkeeper, Kepa eventually found himself slipping down the pecking order.

As the season drew to a close, it became clear that Kepa would return to Chelsea once his loan spell ended. He even bid a heartfelt farewell to the fans at the Bernabéu during the last league game against Real Betis, coming on as a substitute in the final minutes.

Kepa joined Real Madrid on a season-long loan from Chelsea, but his performances dropped him behind Andriy Lunin who impressed all season long (Photo via Real Madrid)

With Courtois set to return to full fitness and Lunin positioned as the backup, Real Madrid’s goalkeeping roster appeared settled for the upcoming campaign.

However, recent reports from Spain suggest that Lunin is reconsidering his future at the club due to limited playing opportunities. If Lunin decides to move on, Real Madrid might look to bring Kepa back.

Here are three compelling reasons why this could be a smart move:

Character and Locker Room Presence

Despite losing his starting spot, Kepa’s attitude remained exemplary. He maintained a positive demeanor and continued to support his teammates, earning the respect of the squad.

Kepa – while on the bench in Real Madrid’s UEFA Champions League quarterfinal clash against Manchester City at the Etihad –  helped Lunin save a crucial penalty during the shootouts.

In a recent interview, right-back Dani Carvajal praised Kepa, saying, “The locker room at Real Madrid has been impressive, the greatest example is Kepa. Lunin beat him to the job and even so he has done everything possible to help the team.” Kepa’s character and professionalism make him a valuable asset in the locker room, fostering a positive team spirit.

Potential Lower Transfer Fee

With just a year left on his contract, Chelsea might be willing to negotiate a lower transfer fee for Kepa to avoid losing him for free next summer. Chelsea initially signed him for a world-record fee of £71.6 million in 2018, but his current market value has dropped to around €12 million. This financial aspect makes Kepa an attractive option for Real Madrid, offering them a cost-effective solution for their goalkeeping needs.

The Age Factor

At 29, Kepa is in the prime years of his career and could be looking for a long-term contract. Real Madrid will be competing in seven competitions next season, necessitating a reliable backup goalkeeper. Kepa’s experience and age make him a suitable candidate to fill this role if Lunin departs. His familiarity with the club and its dynamics would allow for a smooth transition, ensuring Real Madrid remains well-covered in the goalkeeping department. He could also serve as a long-lasting option for Real, whether as a backup or taking over the starting slot from the ‘Belgian wall’.

In conclusion, while Real Madrid’s goalkeeping situation has been turbulent this season, bringing Kepa Arrizabalaga back could provide stability and continuity. His character, potential lower transfer fee, and age make him a valuable addition to the squad, especially if Ukrainian shot-stopper Andriy Lunin decides to seek opportunities elsewhere.