Real Madrid News
Real Madrid in talks with veteran over renewal amid Qatar, Saudi Arabia interest
According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Luka Modric and Real Madrid are still in talks over a new contract until 2024. However, there is concurrently serious interest in the player’s services from Qatar and Saudi Arabia. As of now, there is no decision from his end.
Modric has been an integral part of the Merengues‘ setup for close to a decade now. Despite having won it all, he continues to step onto the field in every game with as much hunger as a player who is yet to prove himself.
Considering the Croatian international’s innate competitiveness and drive, it is difficult to see him move out of elite football with so much left in the tank. Thus, it is increasingly likely that he will continue at the Spanish capital for one more season before joining a league outside Europe.
Next season could present Modric with a very different and unique role given the club’s need to phase out the old guard. The potential arrival of Jude Bellingham could shift the veteran into a position of mentorship with appearances in the big games.
The 37-year-old midfielder has made 24 La Liga appearances for the Merengues this term, scoring four goals and providing three assists in the process. Furthermore, he averages 1.3 key passes per game and has created eight big chances.
With two goals and an assist to his name in this season’s Champions League, Modric has proven that he has enough in his tank to play in Europe despite his age. Come next season, that hunger to excel will remain.
Carlo Ancelotti named Modric as one of the backbones of his side earlier this season, openly declaring the dependency that Real Madrid have on his services. With the twilight of his career surely nearing, one wonders how the club will cope with his loss when he steps away.
For now, though, with contract talks still continuing, a stay for one more season looks like a possible outcome.
In what will come as a pleasing development for fans, Fabrizio Romano reports that Real Madrid forward Rodrygo could make a comeback from his injury earlier than expected.
The 25-year-old Brazilian international has been out of action since March after suffering an ACL injury during a La Liga game against Getafe.
Due to the complete rupture of the ACL, coupled with associated meniscus damage, it was suggested that the attacker was staring at a lengthy time out on the sidelines and might not return until 2027.
In fact, the forward’s father, Eric Goes, recently stated in an interview that the Real Madrid ace could be back in February next year, just before the business end of the campaign.
Rodrygo could be back in December
However, as per the update from Romano, Rodrygo’s comeback could happen well before that expected date.
Indeed, if things continue to progress at the current rate, the 25-year-old attacker might return to action in December or by January 2027 at the latest.
This will come as a welcome boost for Jose Mourinho & co., considering that Rodrygo is a valuable player for the team.
Even though he had endured a tough spell prior to his form, the Brazilian’s versatility, work rate off the ball, and eye for a goal make him an asset.
Rodrygo eager to be back at his best
The update from Romano further states that Rodrygo feels very grateful to Real Madrid for all the help and support they have given him during this difficult phase of his career.
As such, the Brazilian international has made it a mission to return to action in the best shape possible and make an impact from the get-go.
The attacker has only recently begun working on the pitch with the ball indicating the significant progress he has made on the road to recovery.
And, if there are no setbacks, Real Madrid could recover one of their ace attackers before the end of the current year.
So far in his career, Rodrygo has made 297 appearances for Real Madrid, scoring 71 goals. He has a contract with the club until 2028.
