Real Madrid News
Real Madrid icon set for a one-year renewal, money never an issue – report
Only a few days after Real Madrid reportedly renewed Karim Benzema’s contract, journalist Sergio Santos reports that veteran midfielder Luka Modric will also continue for another year.
Santos writes that the news of his extension until 2024 was communicated to him weeks ago by Florentino Perez himself. The club president told the Croatian that the renewal will be sent after these decisive matches and that money is certainly not going to be a problem.
The Real Madrid management is currently working on several renewals and Santos reports that six of the seven players that are going to be out of contract, will be given extensions.
This includes Benzema, Toni Kroos, Nacho, Dani Ceballos, Marco Asensio, and of course Modric. On the other hand, Mariano Diaz will have to find a new team.
Benzema’s one-year renewal is taken for granted already while Kroos is also said to have signed a new deal. Some like Asensio already have an offer on the table but others, like Modric, are relying on word of mouth that they will continue beyond their ongoing contract.
For Modric, it is said that he had an informal chat with Perez where the latter affectionately told him he would receive the new offer in writing once the team crosses the ongoing fixture congestion.
This was done to make the Croatian feel at ease because it was reported that his contractual situation is making him worried. The management does not want the midfielder to lose his focus at this stage of the season and above all, they actually want him to continue next season as well.
Modric’s continuity has never been about finances. If that were the case, he would have easily signed for one of the clubs from Saudi Arabia. For him, Real Madrid are the absolute priority.
So what happened last year will be repeated this season as well. Real Madrid have waited long enough to see his performances in decisive matches and an extension of another year will soon be presented to him.
For what it is worth, the top Madrid officials would have loved to see Modric following the footsteps of Kroos and Benzema and retiring from international football. As it turns out, he has decided to continue, meaning that the following season will be gruelling in terms of schedule.
Real Madrid set out on a mission to change the minds of Dani Ceballos, Marco Asensio and Nacho Fernandez earlier this week. After all, all three players were contemplating a departure from the club for a gross lack of minutes.
Los Blancos’ latest approach seems to have impacted Ceballos’ position in a positive fashion. However, Fabrizio Romano reveals that it has not changed Marco Asensio’s mind.
According to the Italian journalist, the Spaniard will leave Real Madrid at the end of the season as a free agent.
Of the numerous options on his table, he sees Aston Villa and PSG to be the best bets. In fact, Villa have already submitted their opening bid for the player as revealed by Fabrizio Romano once again.
After a dramatic final day of action in the Premier League, Aston Villa finished in the European spots and will participate in the UEFA Conference League next season. While a move to the English club would be a steep step down, it will see Asensio receive regular playing time.
Paris-Saint Germain, on that front, appears the more probable destination. The French club are close to losing both Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr ahead of the new season, and Asensio would thus fit in as a starting quality winger. Moreover, they offer Champions League football.
The Spaniard’s role at Real Madrid this season has not been minor by any means considering his contributions. In 30 La Liga appearances, the 27-year-old has scored nine goals and provided six assists in addition to creating nine big chances and averaging 1.4 key passes per game.
However, that does not satisfy the winger who wishes to be a starter week in and week out. His departure in June appears to be now written in stone, and the club should feel hard done to not make a penny of his move.
Many in Los Blancos’ administration see Brahim Diaz as a direct replacement for the Spanish international if he leaves. Needless to say, the AC Milan star’s future will closely depend on Asensio’s situation.
