Kepa Arrizabalaga’s chapter at Real Madrid is coming to an end with the club determined not to extend his stay permanently after a year-long loan spell from Chelsea. In a radical change to its playbook, the board has decided not to strengthen the position by including the Basque goalkeeper, who will return to London at the end of the 2023/24 season.
The decision to leave Kepa is based on the club’s satisfaction with Lunin’s performance. The coaching staff is impressed with the Ukrainian’s performance and plans to give him continuity as a starter in the coming days. Confidence in Lunin has grown while Courtois’ injury was not a cause for concern as he is expected to return to 100% next season following his European retirement, as reported by Relevo.
Kepa will not continue at Real Madrid
Doubts arose about Kepa after he sustained an adductor injury which ruled him out of the starting XI. From that moment on, Lunin stood out, with the Basque goalkeeper showing uncertainty and uncharacteristic mistakes. The Super Cup was presented as an opportunity to regain his position, but the coaching staff leaned towards Lunin and were convinced they should keep him on.
This situation has an impact on Kepa, who was relegated to the substitutes’ bench upon his arrival as an undisputed regular player. The feeling is that the situation has gotten the better of him, which shows in his attitude on and off the field. Real Madrid have decided to keep Lunin and Courtois as Kepa is far from their level.
Now Kepa faces a complicated situation, with the European Championships on the horizon and his return to Chelsea, who are also without his services. The challenge will be to regain regularity and shine in the few games that Ancelotti gives him until the end of the season to regain the category that made him one of the best goalkeepers in the world.