Real Madrid News
Real Madrid midfielder’s contract renewal dependent on Kroos and Bellingham’s decisions
Real Madrid have some important decisions to make with regard to the contracts of several of their first-team players in the coming months. Midfield icons Luka Modric and Toni Kroos are among the stars whose contract runs out at the end of the season.
While Los Blancos are understood to be keen on retaining the veteran duo, a new report from MARCA has shed light on how Real Madrid want to handle the situation regarding their renewal.
Despite being 37 years old, Modric had been churning out top-level performances for the Merengues, although his levels dropped somewhat after the FIFA World Cup, where he led Croatia to a third-place finish.
Now, it must be remembered that Modric will be turning 38 in September, and considering that Real Madrid want to sign Jude Bellingham as well in the summer, they will have to decide whether they wish to offer a new contract to the Croatian international.
As per the report, Modric is yet to receive a proposal from the Spanish capital club. And it is stated that Real Madrid will wait for the decisions of Kroos and Bellingham before deciding on offering a new deal to the 37-year-old veteran.
Should Kroos agree to renew and Bellingham decide to join the Merengues, it is likely that Real Madrid will decide against offering a contract to Modric.
If Bellingham arrives from Borussia Dortmund, Real Madrid see him as a starter and at the same time if Kroos signs a new contract, the club see it as difficult to fit Modric also in the plans as they look to complete a smooth transition from the old to the new.
The club directors believe that Bellingham would not be compatible with both Kroos and Modric on the pitch. And if one of them is unlikely to get an offer, it will be the latter.
Kroos, for his part, has said that a decision on his future will be made imminently. As for Bellingham, Real Madrid face stern competition from Manchester City and Liverpool.
And their decisions will dictate whether Los Blancos will offer a new contract to Modric or not.
One of the main objectives for Real Madrid this summer was to bring in a new central midfielder capable of controlling the tempo and dictating the play from the middle.
A move for Rodri was in the works before the Spain captain decided to sign for FC Barcelona. The Merengues assessed several other options, but ended up not signing any player, with Jose Mourinho deciding to use Bernardo Silva in the double pivot.
One of the midfielders that Real Madrid were looking at as an option was Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace.
The England international has been on the club’s radar for a while now, but the Premier League club never opened the door for a summer departure.
Wharton could be on the market in 2027
However, now, according to The Guardian (h/t Bernabeu Digital), That stance could change next year, as that Palace would be prepared to consider selling Wharton during the next summer transfer window.
As mentioned already, Real Madrid have closely followed Wharton’s situation throughout the summer, although the club ultimately decided against making any further additions to their midfield.
Manchester City and Chelsea also showed serious interest in signing the England international during the summer. However, Crystal Palace were unwilling to sell, effectively ruling out a move for the midfielder.
But it appears that they could open the doors for Wharton to leave in the summer of 2027, potentially paving the way for Real Madrid to make a move.
Real Madrid continue to monitor Wharton
Real Madrid are expected to keep a close eye on Wharton’s progress ahead of the 2027 market. Should they decide they need another high-quality midfielder, the 22-year-old could once again emerge as a candidate.
Manchester City may be less likely to return for Wharton after strengthening their midfield significantly this summer.
Chelsea, however, could remain a potential competitor after failing to add a player in the position during the latest window.
For now, Wharton will remain at Crystal Palace, but the club’s willingness to consider a sale next summer means the midfielder could become a realistic option for Real Madrid in 2027.
