Real Madrid News
Dinamo Zagreb president open to re-signing Luka Modric: “Will call him this winter”
With Real Madrid’s midfield completing its metamorphosis this season, the younger generation are showing that they are ready for a complete takeover.
Jude Bellingham has lit the world with his immediate impact in Spain, but Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni are not too far back in quality.
Given that the trio are firmly in the driver’s seat, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos have seen reduced roles this season. Many see it to be their last dance with the club.
What’s next for Modric?
At 38 years of age, the Ballon d’Or winner is almost certainly in his final season at Real Madrid. Since an immediate retirement is likely not an option for the veteran, many have pondered about his possible destination after next summer.
Speaking to the media earlier this week, Dinamo Zagreb board president, Vlatka Peras insisted that the Croatian club were interested in bringing back their homegrown gem during an interview with Index.
“He is in the last year of his contract, I will call him this winter, of course. So how could Dinamo not want Luka Modrić back? I can’t say that I am in constant contact with him, but I know members of his family,” he said.
“It would make sense for him to return to Dinamo at the end of his career, why not? Dinamo will certainly do everything in its power to make it happen. Now, whether that will be enough, we will see.”
Modric joined the Dinamo Zagreb academy in 2001 and went on to become a first-team player, racking up 95 appearances for the Croatian outfit before leaving for Tottenham in 2008.
Saudi Arabia is still an option
Luka Modric was at the receiving end of endless offers from Saudi Arabia in the recently concluded transfer window.
Some clubs even offered him the role of a player with a guaranteed manager’s position after his retirement.
Earlier this week, reports surfaced that the interest from Asia has not reduced despite Modric’s desire to stay.
Saudi Arabia will likely return in January for the Croatian superstar, and it remains to be seen as to what the player deems best for himself.
Aurelien Tchouameni has had an exciting start to his career at Real Madrid. Since joining the club for almost €80 million last summer, the young Frenchman has now become a pivotal figure in Real Madrid’s midfield unit.
However, prior to his move to Santiago Bernabeu, the midfielder was closely linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain.
In a recent interview, Tchouameni opened up on his links to PSG but revealed his decision to join Real Madrid.
Aurelien Tchouameni on PSG links
Talking about speculations linking him to PSG, Tchouameni said (h/t Madrid Zone), “PSG? Frankly, I thought about it. It’s a very big European club, we want the French clubs to succeed.”
“But honestly, when Real Madrid calls you, it’s very complicated to say no,” Tchouameni added.
The midfielder was linked with a move to PSG during his time at AS Monaco. Les Parisiens wanted to sign the youngster as part of their plans to reinforce the midfield unit.
Tchouameni, though, ended up opting for a move to Real Madrid, which turned out to be a prudent decision from the midfielder’s end.
Tchouameni’s career at Real Madrid
Aurelien Tchouameni made a total of 50 competitive appearances during his maiden season at Real Madrid.
Although the Frenchman was not entirely a first-team regular in Carlo Ancelotti’s setup, his stature in the team is expected to grow in the coming years.
Especially as Toni Kroos and Luka Modric move on at the end of the season, there is scope for Tchouameni to become a first-team regular in the Real Madrid midfield in the years to come.
The former AS Monaco starlet has already played a crucial role in the starting eleven so far this season and it is only going to continue as the season progresses.
