Real Madrid have just given clubs around the world a masterclass in squad rebuilding, following the departure of several key players since three-peating the Champions League through 2016 to 2018.
The midfield, especially, has been transformed spectacularly, which was kickstarted after Casemiro’s departure to Manchester United two seasons ago.
They had already prepared for it with Eduardo Camavinga’s signing in 2021 from Stade Rennais for €30 million, followed by Aurelien Tchouameni to replace Casemiro, shelling €100 million for his signing including add-ons.
With Camavinga, Tchouameni finally growing into the team, Toni Kroos in brilliant form, and Federico Valverde also nailing down his position in the starting lineup, Luka Modric has been sidelined to the bench as a rotational player.
Modric on his way out?
The Croatian was hoping to continue at Madrid, but it seems the club have no intention of renewing his contract.
As per a report from Jorge C Picon (h/t MadridXtra), Real Madrid believe that, after 12 years of service, Modric’s tenure at the club is finally coming to an end once this season clocks up. They want to give him a farewell worthy for a player of his stature.
The report also states that Madrid are considering announcing Modric’s departure before the season even officially ends so the player can get a proper farewell reception from the home fans at the Santiago Bernabeu.
He is understandably not happy with his lack of playing time, but prefers to keep a low profile about it. He has not spoken about it publicly, and probably will not, either, as he thinks it will disturb the team’s good morale.
The Croatian has the second-fewest minutes for any midfielder in the team, only above Dani Ceballos, who has barely been used so far by Carlo Ancelotti.
He even decided to stay at the club after being encouraged by the coaching staff and administration, rejecting huge offers from Saudi Arabia, and interest from other big European clubs.
Modric wants to continue playing football
Contrary to this report, though, Jose Felix Diaz has stated that Modric wants to continue playing football and does not want to retire quite yet. He has already rejected the idea of playing in Saudi Arabia.
The reliable reporter opionates that Modric is looking to become the oldest player in Real Madrid history, and for that he would have to continue for another year, even if the idea seems farfetched right now.
