By Sama Marwan,
Reports suggest that Xabi Alonso, the anticipated new head coach for Real Madrid, is keen on keeping veteran Croatian star Luka Modric at the club for the upcoming season.
Modric, who is 40 years old, has a contract with Real Madrid that is set to expire at the end of the current season.
Spanish newspaper AS reported that there is a near-unanimous agreement within Real Madrid to renew his contract. Even the highly favored candidate to take over as head coach next season, Xabi Alonso, has expressed his support for this decision, which is a strong push towards a renewal.
The newspaper indicated that Modric has shown full readiness to continue under new terms, even if it means a reduction in his salary. Last summer, he already accepted a significant pay cut, even more than what the club initially proposed, and today, financial aspects are not expected to be an obstacle to signing a new contract.
AS explained that Xabi Alonso views Modric’s continued presence as a crucial element in the tactical transformation he aims to implement at Real Madrid, which focuses on control and collective play. According to sources close to the Spanish coach, the number 10 still possesses the ability to make an impact, even in a substitute role, which he has performed with high professionalism since last season.
The Croatian player reportedly rejected a lucrative offer from a Saudi club last summer, preferring to remain in Madrid. He has two personal goals in mind: to conclude his football career wearing the Real Madrid jersey and to represent the Croatian national team for the final time at the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
