Real Madrid News
Saudi giants planning £120 million offer for Real Madrid legend as Messi alternative
After having been snubbed by Lionel Messi, Saudi Arabian giants Al-Hilal have shifted their focus towards Real Madrid midfielder and club legend Luka Modric.
Indeed, The Guardian is reporting that Al-Hilal have made the 37-year-old midfield icon their main target after seeing Messi choose Inter Miami. And, they are planning to offer a mammoth two-year contract worth £60 million per season to the Real Madrid mainstay.
What’s more is that Modric is understood to be considering the possibility of making the switch to the Middle East, despite having previously turned down offers from the region.
Saudi Arabia have made it a point to target recent Ballon d’Or winners as they look to boost their profile ahead of a potential World Cup bid in 2030.
Having roped in Cristiano Ronaldo, they went hard for Messi’s signing, but were met with disappointment. Soon after, they turned their attention towards Karim Benzema, who ended up leaving Real Madrid for Al-Ittihad.
Now, Al-Hilal are eyeing a fresh raid on the Merengues for the signing of Modric. The Saudi Arabian giants are prepared to offer a hefty contract worth £120 million across two years for the Croatian international.
Despite being 37 years old, Modric continues to be a key component in Carlo Ancelotti’s scheme of things at Real Madrid. He played 52 games in all competitions in 2022/23, chipping in with six goals and assists apiece.
But with Jude Bellingham’s impending arrival and Dani Ceballos’ contract renewal, Modric’s role in the upcoming campaign might take a hit.
The former Tottenham star’s contract expires on June 30, but it was believed that he had agreed to renew with Los Blancos for one more season. But with Saudi Arabia coming in with an attractive proposal, Modric is considering the prospect of a move away from the Bernabeu.
It has been reported earlier today that Modric’s midfield partner, Toni Kroos, has rejected a proposal from Saudi Arabia. Whether the Croatian follows in his footsteps or Benzema’s remains to be seen.
Real Madrid News
English legend backs Real Madrid star to become one of the all-time greats: ‘He’s got everything’
Jude Bellingham has spent the past fortnight as the most talked-about footballer in England, and the superlatives show no sign of slowing down.
A masterclass in the Nations League, a clutch of records and a second straight Player of the Year award has not gone unnoticed in English footballing media.
Now one of the English game’s most respected voices has added his name to the growing list of believers.
Lineker backs Bellingham
Asked whether Bellingham can go on to become one of the greatest players of all time, England legend Gary Lineker left no room for doubt.
“Yes, I’ve been saying it for a long time now. If he avoids serious injury or falls of the rails which he won’t I’m sure.
“He’s so good at football, he’s got everything. He’s a superstar and carries himself like a superstar,” he said (h/t Track Radio).
The verdict chimes comes in the midst of a wider chorus of acclaim in recent days. Roy Keane tipped him to become one of the greatest of all time after the Croatia rout, with Ian Wright and Micah Richards among others queuing up to praise him.
Backed by the numbers
The acclaim for Bellingham comes on the back of an extraordinary international break for Bellingham.
Against Croatia, Bellingham scored one and created three in the 7-0 win, becoming the first England player to record four goal involvements in a single game since David Platt in 1993.
He finished the window with one goal and four assists and was named UEFA’s Player of the Round.
That international excellence has carried over to the Bernabeu, where he has settled into a free number 10 role under Jose Mourinho and sits as the club’s joint-leading creator.
Bellingham was part of Real Madrid’s recent 1-0 win over Villarreal as well, and was unlucky not to register an assist when Vinicius Jr.’s goal was disallowed.
The Englishman will be looking to make an impact once again when Real Madrid take on AS Roma this Wednesday.
