Real Madrid News
Real Madrid veteran has no interest in Saudi Arabia move, wants to retire at the club
With Luka Modric yet to sign a new contract with Real Madrid, there have been speculations over his immediate future as his current deal stands to run out at the end of the season.
The 37-year-old has been a permanent fixture in the starting XI for years at Real Madrid and continues to be a key cog in the side despite his advancing age.
It has been claimed that Los Blancos wish to offer him a one-year extension and keep him at the club for another season even if they bring in Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund.
At the same time, Modric has also been attracting interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia, who are believed to have contacted the Croatian international already.
There had been talks about Al Nassr trying to sign Modric to reunite with him former Real Madrid superstar and club legend Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia.
But, according to Jose Luis Sanchez on El Chiringuito TV, Modric has no desire to leave Real Madrid for Saudi Arabia at this point. In fact, the report claims that the former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder wants to retire at the Santiago Bernabeu, possibly after next season.
Modric, as iterated earlier, continues to remain an integral part of manager Carlo Ancelotti’s plans at Real Madrid despite turning 37 last year.
The veteran midfielder is a permanent fixture in the starting XI, especially when it comes to the big games and he has proven that he still has a lot left to offer as well.
So, despite Real Madrid’s serious interest in Bellingham as well as Celta Vigo starlet Gabri Veiga, it would make sense for the Merengues to keep hold of Modric for one more season, so that the transition can be a smooth one.
And, with the midfielder also seemingly keen to continue for one more year, an extension should not be an issue.
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.
