Real Madrid Player Came Close to Joining Bayern Munich This Summer

Real Madrid had an active start to the summer transfer window, making several signings. However, their activity slowed down in the latter part of the window, and they ultimately brought in five new players. Among these were Jude Bellingham, Fran Garcia, and Arda Guler on permanent deals, while Joselu and Kepa Arrizabalaga arrived on season-long loan deals.

Real Madrid was compelled to secure a goalkeeper after Thibaut Courtois suffered a torn ACL before the start of the 2023/24 season. It’s uncertain whether Courtois will return to action during this campaign.

Kepa, who joined from Chelsea on loan, was the club’s swift solution to their goalkeeping issue. He revealed some insights into the move, stating:

“It’s true that Pochettino wanted me to stay, and he told me that I was going to play, that he trusted me. But I thought that a change would be good for me; I wanted a change. Thomas Tuchel called me. We were close to going to Munich.

“I felt it was time for a change of scenery. I wanted to stay, but I felt that the project was not the right one… When Madrid calls you, everything changes. My signing was closed in just a few hours and a couple of calls.”

This move back to Spain offers Kepa a chance to rejuvenate his career, as he initially rose through the ranks at Athletic Bilbao. His world-record transfer to Chelsea didn’t unfold as expected, and he faced challenges in holding onto the starting goalkeeper position at Stamford Bridge.

After five years at Chelsea, a change of environment was deemed beneficial for Kepa. His performance at Real Madrid will be closely monitored, as he has been given the starting role ahead of Andriy Lunin and kept clean sheets in his initial two appearances for the club.

The question remains: If Kepa performs well, could Real Madrid seek to secure him on a permanent basis next summer? Only time will reveal the answer.