Dmitri Gülenkov, who first coached Russian goalkeeper Andrei Lunev, voiced strong concerns about Lunev’s move to Azerbaijan’s Karabakh. He relayed his thoughts through sports24, conveying a sense of disbelief about the decision and its implications for the player’s career.
“I am in shock, no words,” Gülenkov said. “Lunya signed a contract with Karabakh. Shakhruddin Magomedaliyev is also there, a goalkeeper who is skilled and trusted. He’s not just leaving his current role; the move raises questions. Why did Andrei choose to go there? Was it a step to seek competition? He hadn’t appeared in a competitive match for two years, and the odds of first-team minutes seem unlikely.”
The transfer news places Lunev in a surprising chapter of his professional journey. After parting ways with Bayer Leverkusen in May 2023, the 31-year-old goalkeeper had previously joined the Aspirin squad in July 2021, where he logged only a handful of appearances over the span of his tenure. The limited game time there contrasts with the expectations many fans and analysts hold for a player of his pedigree and experience.
Throughout his career, Lunev has had spells with several prominent clubs, including performances in St. Petersburg, Ufa, and Moscow, which helped him earn appearances for the Russian national team. In total, he has worn the national jersey seven times, underscoring his status within the Russian goalkeeper pool and the pressure on him to translate club opportunities into consistent international duty.
Market valuation data from Transfermarkt place Lunev at approximately 1.2 million euros, a figure that reflects the market’s current assessment of his age, form, and recent minutes on the pitch. This valuation sits in a tier shared by many veteran goalkeepers who have faced renewed competition for starting roles across European leagues.
Earlier rumors had floated the possibility of Lunev moving to the Greek club PAOK, suggesting that a return to top-flight European football could be on the horizon. Such reports illustrate a broader narrative about Lunev’s career trajectory as he navigates transfers, contract situations, and the quest for regular playing time. The evolving situation continues to attract attention from fans and pundits who watch for signals about where he might play next and how that could influence his national team prospects.
Observers note that a goalkeeper’s path often hinges on match fitness, confidence, and consistency of selection. For Lunev, the move to Karabakh represents a chapter with potential strategic benefits as well as risks. If he secures regular minutes and returns to form, the decision could be seen as a proactive step toward reestablishing himself as a reliable option for club duties and potentially regaining traction with the national team. Conversely, a lack of competitive action could complicate his professional narrative and limit opportunities at the highest levels.
In reviews of Lunev’s career, analysts highlight his experience across top leagues in Russia and Europe, noting his technical ability, command of the penalty area, and temperament under pressure. The coming months will reveal how the new environment at Karabakh suits his style of goalkeeping and whether he can translate past international appearances into a renewed club impact. For supporters and followers of Russian football, the situation remains a talking point as they monitor the goalkeeper’s performances, fitness, and alignment with his team’s defensive organization.
transfers and career moves of players like Lunev are often complex, influenced by contract terms, club strategies, and personal considerations. The ongoing discussion around his latest switch to Karabakh reflects broader themes in modern football: the balancing act between seeking regular game time and maintaining visibility on the international stage. As the narrative evolves, scouts and fans will be keenly measuring how this decision affects his future appearances for both club and country. (Sports24 attribution)