Tottenham learn ‘very clear’ bargain price to sign Real Madrid star who’d get straight into Thomas Frank’s XI
Real Madrid have reportedly placed a realistic and attainable price on a player strongly admired by Tottenham Hotspur, with the belief that he would immediately become a guaranteed starter under Spurs boss Thomas Frank if a deal were completed. According to reports from Spain, Tottenham are seriously considering a move for Andriy Lunin as they look to address one of the most problematic areas of their squad.
Tottenham’s season has been spiralling in recent weeks. The 2024/25 Europa League winners were dumped out of the FA Cup at the third-round stage after a 2–1 defeat to Aston Villa at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, compounding the frustration already brewing within the fanbase. That disappointment arrived hot on the heels of a dramatic 3–2 loss away to Bournemouth in the Premier League — a match remembered not only for the result, but also for an ill-judged incident involving Frank and an Arsenal-branded cup, which only intensified scrutiny on the manager.
Sitting as low as 14th in the Premier League, Tottenham find themselves under real pressure. Thomas Frank, appointed in the summer of 2025, is now facing serious questions about his future, with speculation increasing that the club could soon opt for a change in the dugout if form does not improve quickly. Despite this turmoil, there is determination within the club hierarchy to steady the ship, and bringing in reinforcements during the current transfer window has become a key priority. One position in particular stands out: goalkeeper.
TEAMtalk sources have revealed that Tottenham are actively exploring the market for a new number one. Earlier reports from our transfer correspondent Fraser Fletcher on December 17 suggested that the London club are keeping tabs on Barcelona’s Marc-André ter Stegen, as well as Manchester City’s James Trafford. These options underline how seriously the club are treating the situation.
The concern stems from mounting doubts over current first-choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario. The Italian has come under criticism for a number of costly errors this season, and confidence in his long-term suitability appears to be waning inside the club. As a result, the recruitment team has widened its search, and Real Madrid’s Andriy Lunin has emerged as a standout target.
On January 7, transfer insider Graeme Bailey reported that Tottenham are actively assessing the feasibility of striking a deal for Lunin. The Ukrainian is currently second in line behind Thibaut Courtois at Madrid, and his representatives are believed to be exploring opportunities for a fresh start in 2026, with consistent game time a key motivation.
Tottenham have now also been informed of the financial parameters of a potential transfer. According to Defensa Central, Real Madrid are very clear on their stance: they would be prepared to sanction Lunin’s departure if an offer in the region of €30 million (£26m/$35m) arrives — and crucially, only if the player himself expresses the desire to move on. That figure is seen as reasonable given his age, pedigree, and recent performances.
Although Lunin is technically Madrid’s backup goalkeeper, there is a strong argument that he represents an upgrade on Vicario. Whenever Courtois has been unavailable, the Ukrainian has responded impressively, delivering composed and commanding displays — most notably in high-pressure encounters against RB Leipzig and Manchester City during the 2023/24 season. At 26 years old, he is entering what should be the prime of his career, and a sustained run as a first-choice goalkeeper could see him develop further still.
Real Madrid’s reluctance to offload him earlier is telling; the club clearly regard him as more than just a stopgap. Should Tottenham succeed in securing his signature in this window, there is little doubt that Lunin would immediately displace Vicario and take over as Frank’s starting goalkeeper.
Elsewhere at the club, activity is gathering pace. Tottenham are also closing in on another deal, with a player expected to undergo his medical on Monday as last season’s Europa League champions continue reshaping their squad. According to information provided to Graeme Bailey, Spurs have taken a firm stance over a wantaway player, making their position unmistakably clear.
To add to the drama, a well-sourced journalist has also outlined the prospective timeframe in which Tottenham could dismiss Thomas Frank if results fail to improve. With pressure from the board and supporters intensifying, the next few weeks could prove decisive for both the manager and the club’s season.
In short, Tottenham find themselves at a crossroads: underperforming on the pitch, facing a managerial dilemma, but simultaneously plotting decisive moves in the transfer market. The pursuit of Andriy Lunin may prove a pivotal moment — a signing that not only strengthens a vulnerable position but signals renewed ambition to rescue a campaign that is slipping away.