According to a report, Real Madrid are facing new competition from Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad in their pursuit to re-sign goalkeeper Kepa Arrizalabaga.
Last season, the Spanish goalkeeper was on loan at the Santiago Bernabeu due to Thibaut Courtois’ long-term injury. However, he was eventually displaced by Andriy Lunin, who became a fan favorite for his crucial performances during Real Madrid’s La Liga and Champions League double-winning campaign.
Initially, Madrid did not plan to bring Kepa back for the 2024/25 season but have since reconsidered, especially considering Lunin’s future at the club.
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However, MARCA now reports that Kepa has received a contract offer from Al Ittihad, which is said to be enticing and challenging to turn down.
In the 2023/24 season, Al Ittihad finished fifth in the Saudi Pro League standings, despite signing high-profile players like Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, and Fabinho, failing to defend their previous season’s title.
Kepa, 29 years old, remains the most expensive goalkeeper in history, following Chelsea’s €80m (£72m) acquisition from Athletic Club in 2018. He has played 109 Premier League matches but lost his starting position to Edouard Mendy in 2020.