Luka Modric will not depart from the Santiago Bernabeu in the January transfer window despite his falling stature at Real Madrid.
According to a report by Spanish outlet MARCA, Luka Modric is unhappy with his reduced playing time thus far in the 2023/24 season. Jose Felix Diaz and Santi Seguiro have discussed that he has demanded a change in his role. But despite his frustrations, the long-serving veteran will not leave Real Madrid in the January transfer window.
Luka Modric is one of the greatest-ever players for Real Madrid. The moniker is ironic, considering MARCA branded the 38-year-old as the “worst signing of the season” in December 2012 after a slow start to the 2012/13 season. But he has let his performances emphatically do the talking for him.
The Croatian international arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu after a fruitful four-year stint with Tottenham Hotspur. Modric had seen his stock skyrocket after his spell in England, with Chelsea also attempting to sign him. But Real Madrid prised the veteran away from Tottenham in August 2012 in a deal worth €35 million.
While Modric’s performances in his first few months as a Real Madrid player left much to be desired, he has been every bit worth the investment of €35 million after his early struggles. Such has been his impact that the Croat has been one of the first names on the team sheet for every Real Madrid manager he has played under.
In addition, the veteran midfielder has been a pivotal figure for Croatia, guiding his nation to the 2018 FIFA World Cup final. Modric was also on song as the Vatreni finished third in the standings in the 2022 World Cup. Meanwhile, he has gone from strength to strength at the club level, ageing like fine wine while guiding Los Blancos to numerous major trophies.
The 38-year-old has turned out nearly 500 times thus far for Real Madrid, chipping in with 37 goals and 77 assists. But Modric’s stock has plummeted this season, as he has started only four of 11 games. So, his frustrations have boiled over in the last few weeks, with the long-serving veteran admitting his situation is not ideal. But he is still not fathoming a January exit from Real Madrid.
Recent reports have claimed that the Croatian international might agitate for a departure this coming winter. Major League Soccer outfits and Saudi Pro League clubs are interested in him. However, Modric remains committed to Real Madrid and will take a call on his future in the summer. So, a January exit is unlikely, even though he is frustrated at not starting games regularly.
