According to reports, Luka Modric may reunite with Cristiano Ronaldo this summer, as the veteran midfielder looks increasingly likely to leave Real Madrid when his contract expires at the end of the season.
Luka Modric could reunite with Cristiano Ronaldo this summer, with the veteran looking increasingly likely to leave Real Madrid when his contract expires at the end of the season.
Modric has been at Real since 2012 and has made nearly 500 appearances in all competitions, performing to a high standard in recent times despite his increasing age. While he has always claimed that he would be willing to retire at Real if he felt he could still contribute sufficiently on the pitch, French outlet FootMercato reports that the midfielder is now closer to a departure than a renewal. Modric is believed to be considering a new challenge after ten seasons in Madrid, and a move to Saudi side Al-Nassr is the most likely option due to his ability to link up with Ronaldo and secure a last lucrative contract before retirement. Real Madrid is also hesitant over whether to offer Modric a new deal, and some within the club believe his departure could make things easier for Madrid going forward.
How Modric exit could pave the way for Jude Bellingham’s arrival in Madrid
According to reports, Real Madrid is concerned about waiting on Luka Modric to make a decision on whether to renew his contract, only for him to decide to leave. The club is considering accelerating plans to sign a replacement before the situation becomes desperate. Jude Bellingham is Real’s number one target, and the club’s director, Juni Calafat, reportedly met with the Dortmund midfielder‘s father in London recently to make a proposal over a summer transfer. However, Bellingham’s €150 million asking price could prove to be a stumbling block for Real, particularly with Premier League sides such as Liverpool and Manchester City interested. Nevertheless, Real Madrid will still heavily pursue a deal for Bellingham. With Toni Kroos also likely to leave when his contract expires in the summer, Modric’s departure could pave the way for Real to make a formal push for Bellingham, having previously considered whether to hold off for another year or look at cheaper alternatives.