Real Madrid News
Real Madrid midfielder provides major update on his future: “I repeat for the 100th time”
Speaking at a press conference ahead of Croatia’s UEFA Euro 2024 qualifier against Wales, Luka Modric has affirmed his desire to remain at Real Madrid beyond the current season.
The 37-year-old midfielder is in the final year of his contract at the club and will become a free agent at the end of the season.
It has given way to speculations over his future, with Modric recently being heavily linked with a move to Saudi Arabia. Al Nassr, who signed Cristiano Ronaldo earlier this year, have been showing an interest in the Croatian international as well.
Modric has, up until this time, been coy on the topic of his future. But during the press conference, he made it abundantly clear that he has his heart set on continuing at Real Madrid.
“My wish is known, to stay at Real Madrid. I believe and hope it will happen. The rest are only assumptions and rumours. I repeat for the 100th time, I hope and believe I will stay at Real Madrid,” Modric said (h/t Net.hr).
There had been reports claiming that Real Madrid were unhappy with Modric continuing to play for Croatia at his age, especially after his form dipped after the World Cup.
When asked if he would have to stop playing international football to continue at Real Madrid, the midfielder replied: “Short and clear, no.”
What is clear is that Modric is uninterested in a move to Saudi Arabia and wants to remain at Real Madrid for at least one more year.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid eye €3.5 million-rated relegated Premier League striker to reinforce attack
Following a difficult season with troubles in La Liga and the Champions League preventing Real Madrid from retaining their crowns, Los Blancos move towards a transformative summer, full of innovations.
Real Madrid managed to clear plenty of unwanted figures at the club, with a huge relief on the wage bill. However, with an array of exits, the squad has contracted and thus replacements are being inquired.
Apart from the high-profile departure of Karim Benzema, fringe players have also bid their farewell.
Among those names is Mariano Diaz, who was Madrid’s backup striker prior to his withdrawal. Several names have been put on the table to fill his absence as the club largely aim to address their lack of depth.
According to Arancha Rodriguez (via RM4Arab), Leeds United striker Rodrigo Moreno is one of the names gaining consensus in the Madrid hierarchy. Moreover, Joselu has also been considered as a viable alternative.
The two favourites to replace Mariano have proven to be important figures for their clubs as both strikers maintain a starting role.
Playing for Espanyol, Joselu ended the La Liga campaign as the third top scorer, only behind Benzema and Lewandowski. Considering Espanyol’s relegation, such a feat looks even more impressive. The Spaniard secured 19 goals in all competitions.
On the other hand, Rodrigo Moreno recorded 16 goals last season across all competitions. Similar to Joselu’s case, the Spanish international also suffered relegation with Leeds, in spite of his good numbers.
With both players offering adequate output in struggling sides, Real Madrid’s interest is practical. Moreover, considering both Espanyol and Leeds were relegated, their asking price will undeniably lower, which enables the Merengues to sign one of the two targets at a more convenient rate.
It is claimed that Rodrigo has a release clause worth €3.5 million which Los Blancos would have to trigger to sign him from Leeds United.
It now remains to be seen whether Carlo Ancelotti & co. go after the former Valencia man or move for Joselu instead.
