Aston Villa Eyeing £20m Move to Sign 26-year-old Real Madrid Star – Report | OneFootball

Aston Villa Eye Real Madrid Star Amid Goalkeeper Uncertainty

Aston Villa have emerged as potential suitors for Real Madrid’s Andriy Lunin, with Birmingham Mail reporting that the 26-year-old Ukrainian could be on the move this summer. Lunin, who has struggled for consistent minutes at the Santiago Bernabéu since joining from Zorya Luhansk in 2018, is now attracting attention from the Premier League, with Villa reportedly among those monitoring his situation.

The timing of the rumour is notable, as uncertainty looms around Villa’s current No.1, Emiliano Martinez. The Argentine, a pivotal figure in Unai Emery’s side and a World Cup winner, is reportedly being courted by clubs in the Saudi Pro League. “Villa can expect interest from the Saudi Pro League this summer,” Birmingham Mail reported.

Should Martinez leave, Villa would not only need to replace their first-choice keeper but also his understudy, as Robin Olsen is out of contract and “expected to return to his native Sweden upon the expiry of his deal this summer.”

Lunin’s Rise on the European Stage

Despite limited starts for Madrid over the years, Lunin took full advantage when called upon last season. Injuries to both Thibaut Courtois and Kepa Arrizabalaga elevated Lunin to the starting XI, and he didn’t disappoint. His standout performances included key penalty shootout saves against Manchester City in the Champions League quarter-finals, and another strong showing against RB Leipzig.

Photo IMAGO

These clutch displays have only heightened his stock, even though he remains behind Courtois in the pecking order. As reported by Birmingham Mail, “he made significant contributions in Champions League clashes with Manchester City… and RB Leipzig as Madrid went on to claim another European title.”

Lunin extended his contract with Los Blancos last autumn until 2030, but sources suggest he could be available for around £20 million, particularly if first-team assurances can’t be provided. “There are suggestions he could be allowed to leave in order to gain regular first team football elsewhere,” the article adds.

Martinez’s Future a Key Driver

The Martinez situation is clearly the catalyst for any potential move. The Argentine has been instrumental in Villa’s rise under Emery, and his leadership from the back has proven irreplaceable in recent seasons. Yet with Saudi clubs now throwing financial weight around, Villa may be forced into a reluctant reshuffle.

It’s worth noting that Martinez’s departure would represent a strategic crossroad for Villa: whether to find a keeper with similar experience and aura, or to invest in a younger, high-upside option like Lunin who is just entering his prime.

Photo: IMAGO

Strategic Fit Under Unai Emery

If Villa do act on their reported interest, Lunin would represent more than just a stopgap. His age, pedigree, and potential for further development align well with Villa’s recent transfer strategy — targeting underutilised talents from elite clubs who can flourish with more responsibility.

With Champions League qualification still a target, adding a keeper who has proven himself under immense pressure — as Lunin did against Manchester City — could provide Villa with long-term security in one of the most critical positions on the pitch.

Birmingham Mail have done well to bring this developing story to light, and as the summer window nears, all eyes will be on Bodymoor Heath and Valdebebas alike.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Villa fan’s perspective, this feels like one of those links that makes quiet sense. On the surface, chasing a backup keeper from Real Madrid might seem like settling for scraps — but a deeper look paints a different picture. Andriy Lunin has shown his class when it mattered most, standing tall against Europe’s best. That’s not something to ignore.

If Emi Martinez does leave — and that’s still an ‘if’, albeit a loud one — Villa can’t afford to gamble on inexperience. What they need is someone who’s proven under the lights, but still hungry for more. That’s Lunin to a tee.

He’s played second fiddle to Courtois long enough. At 26, this is make-or-break territory for his career, and a move to a rising Premier League side with Champions League ambitions might be exactly what he needs.

Unai Emery is methodical in his planning. If this link has legs, you can be sure there’s been a meticulous assessment behind it. Whether it’s Lunin or another target, Villa’s goalkeeper succession plan is now of paramount importance — and it seems they’re thinking a few moves ahead.