Real Madrid News
Luka Modric handpicks soon-to-be Real Madrid player to take over his No. 10 shirt
It is often difficult to come to terms with the fact that Luka Modric is 37 years old. The Croatian international still dominates the middle of the park the way he always has and shows no signs of slowing down for either club or country.
While he has pushed himself continually to prolong his career in Europe, one knows that his departure from the club is not far away. Many expect the 2023/24 campaign to be his final dance with the white shirt, and it appears that Modric knows the writing is on the wall too.
According to reports from Volkan Demir, the midfield maestro recently spoke to soon-to-be Real Madrid player Arda Guler to coerce him to sign for the club.
As part of his conversation, he confirmed that he would not continue at the club past next summer and placed a lot of responsibility on Guler’s shoulders.
“I’m leaving next season, and I want you to have my jersey (10) next,” Modric is understood to have told the 18-year-old wonderkid.
Los Blancos endured a rough battle with arch-rivals Barcelona for the 18-year-old’s acquisition. After trailing for the most part, it was their offer that prevailed and the deal is now considered to be very close to completion.
Güler is expected to Carlo Ancelotti’s men at the earliest and will most likely make the trip to the USA for pre-season. It remains to be seen, however, if the manager considers the teenager an option in midfield or to play on the right side of the attack.
As for Modric, his role in the team this season is expected to be slightly subdued given the arrival of Jude Bellingham. Nevertheless, one can remain assured that he will have his usual decisive part to play when the big games arrive.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid rejected two goalkeeper signings in the summer to back veteran star – report
Real Madrid’s number so far this season may not highlight Thibaut Courtois’ brilliance, but the fact of the matter is that the Belgian star has been simply stellar.
Having just two clean sheets so far underplays his brilliance significantly, but it has more to do with the team’s defensive lacunae.
Yesterday, word broke out that the Belgian star is set to renew his deal with Real Madrid and that an agreement in principle has been reached. Despite his age, after all, he continues to be one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
Real Madrid backing Courtois
As reported by Fabrizio Romano in a recent update, Real Madrid have been thinking about the goalkeeping situation for a while now, and agents of goalkeepers across the globe naturally have knowledge of the same.
In fact, the club have been offered two goalkeeper signings since the summer alone. However, they did not waste any time in rejecting the approaches.
Los Blancos maintained a strong response to the representatives of the said goalkeepers.
“We have the best goalkeeper in the world,” they said, making it clear that they do not see a need to replace the veteran yet. Now, the player will stay at the club for longer after his renewal.
No signs or plans of stopping
At 34 years of age, it is understandable that Real Madrid are only offering a renewal until 2027-28 to the player.
However, Courtois himself has no plans to stop for at least the next five years and sees himself as capable of operating at the highest level for long.
Los Blancos, for their part, will continue assessing the player’s performances and rewarding him with optimal renewals based on the same.
As matters stand, however, he is the best goalkeeper in the world and will stay at the club next season. The longer-term plan will depend on his output level.
So far this season, the former Chelsea star has maintained two clean sheets, and the most recent of them came against Villarreal at the weekend.
Needless to say, his objective will be to keep the momentum going as the season progresses into a critical month ahead.
