Real Madrid News
Real Madrid superstar yet to make a decision on future as contract nears expiry
It has been yet another successful run at the FIFA World Cup for Real Madrid superstar Luka Modric, who led his Croatian national team to a third-place finish in Qatar.
At 37, the veteran midfielder stood out yet again as one of the best midfielders at the world event, showcasing his amazing quality and longevity on the biggest stage of all.
Speaking after the win over Morocco in the third-place playoff, Modric confirmed that he is not retiring from international football and ensured that he will continue representing Croatia at least until the UEFA Nations League finals next year.
While his international future seems to be set at least for another 6-8 months, it is now time for Modric to make a decision on his club future.
Indeed, the 37-year-old’s contract with Real Madrid expires at the end of the season and according to AS, he is yet to decide on his next step, leaving his future up in the air.
Modric and Real Madrid have come to a settlement for him to renew his contract year after year, which was the case in 2022 when he extended his deal until the summer of 2023.
But, there is still no agreement over another extension that would keep him at the Santiago Bernabeu beyond the ongoing season. And starting from January 1, the former Tottenham Hotspur star will be able to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with a club of his choice.
Real Madrid, for their part, wish to keep Modric at the club but at the same time they have an eye on the future, which has led to links with the likes of Jude Bellingham and Enzo Fernandez.
Even if Los Blancos sign a new midfielder, it would not mean the end of the road for Modric at the club. The ball firmly lies in the 37-year-old’s court now and the time to make a decision on whether he continues with Real Madrid or takes off for a new adventure is getting closer and closer.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid, Barcelona, Liverpool monitoring 19-year-old Bundesliga wonderkid – Romano
According to Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Liverpool are all monitoring Bayer Leverkusen and Germany wonderkid Florian Wirtz.
After recovering from his ACL injury, the teenage sensation has been slowly working his way back to his best form. So far this term, Wirtz has managed to rack up a tally of two goals and six assists from 13 matches in all competitions.
The 19-year-old’s talent and potential have never been in question and hence it does not come as a surprise that elite clubs such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Liverpool are all keeping tabs on the German international.
A versatile attacking midfielder, Wirtz is capable of playing anywhere in the final third of the pitch and backs up with top-notch end product. Be it as a false-nine or in a more withdrawn role, the youngster has excelled for Bayer Leverkusen, catching the attention of top teams.
Real Madrid, for their part, are also understood to be among Wirtz’s admirers. Given the situation surrounding Karim Benzema’s fitness and the lack of backup at the top, the youngster could be an option, as he has shown potential while operating through the middle.
But Barcelona also have a strong interest in the teenager with reports even suggesting that they have already made contact with his father to enquire about his situation.
At the same time, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is understood to be a huge admirer of his fellow German and with Roberto Firmino on his way out, Wirtz could be lined up as a possible replacement.
However, Romano adds that the expectation is that Wirtz could stay at Bayer Leverkusen for one more year and depart Germany once the UEFA Euro 2024 is out of the way.
For now, there have been talks or negotiations with any clubs, but Real Madrid, Barcelona and Liverpool are all tracking Wirtz and his progress in Germany.
