La Liga heavyweights Real Madrid are reportedly determined to hand a new contract to ageing midfield stalwart Luka Modric.
According to a report by Spanish publication MARCA, Real Madrid and Luka Modric wish to continue their reunion beyond the summer transfer window. But the ageing midfield stalwart is yet to reach an agreement with Los Blancos over a contract extension despite the willingness to hand one to him.
Luka Modric will go down in history as one of the best midfielders of his generation, having been nothing short of excellent during his storied stint with Real Madrid. The veteran midfielder joined the Merengues from Tottenham Hotspur in August 2012 and has been a pivotal figure for the Spanish club over the past decade.
To date, the 36-year-old has made 423 appearances for Real Madrid, chipping in with 31 goals and 68 assists in the process. But the La Liga heavyweights are in a spot of bother over Modric’s future, as he is in the final few months of his contract, with a renewal not in sight thus far.
Several clubs across Europe, including Inter Milan and Manchester City, are thus reportedly sensing their opportunity to prise Modric away from Real Madrid. But the Croatian international is determined to stay put at the Santiago Bernabeu, albeit on his terms.
For their part, the Spanish giants are also keen on handing a contract extension to Modric. But unlike last year, when Modric took no time to reach an agreement with them over a renewal, things have been slightly different for Real Madrid in 2022.
The 36-year-old Croat has acknowledged that he wishes to extend his stay at Real Madrid. But Los Blancos will remain in a precarious position until Modric puts pen to a new contract. And while they have been heavily linked with several midfielders, including Nicolo Barella, as part of a succession plan for Modric, there is a feeling that he still has a lot to offer.
The latest exhibition of Modric’s excellence came in the fabulous 3-1 comeback win over Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League. The veteran midfield stalwart was pivotal in earning Real Madrid the big victory, showing he is ageing like fine wine. But until he signs on the dotted line, Real Madrid will remain in a spot of bother.
