Real Madrid News
Xabi Alonso gives green light for Real Madrid midfield star to continue for another season
Luka Modric could stay at Real Madrid for another season, with new manager Xabi Alonso reportedly giving his approval, according to a report from AS.
The Croatian legend continues to impress with his performances and reliability, especially during the second half of the season, proving he still has what it takes to contribute at the highest level.
Alonso’s support is a major factor in this possible renewal. Although the final decision lies with the club’s top management, having the backing of the incoming coach strengthens Modric’s chances.
The 39-year-old midfielder has once again shown his value, not just with the ball, but with his professionalism and team-first mentality, even as a substitute.
A pay cut and a dream farewell
To continue for another season, Modric will likely need to accept another salary reduction. Real Madrid are expected to ask for a pay cut again, but the Croatian is said to be open to it.
His willingness to adapt has already been proven when he turned down a massive offer from Saudi Arabia last summer to stay at the Bernabéu.
Modric has made it clear that he would like to retire in the summer of 2026, ending his career at Real Madrid and playing his final international tournament with Croatia at the 2026 World Cup.
That plan appears to be coming together, and staying at Madrid one more year fits perfectly into that timeline.
Alonso wants a team that can control matches through intelligent, technical play, which is something Modric still offers in abundance.
Even in a rotational role, his presence could be vital, especially in tight games or when guiding younger players. Everything now points to a renewal being close, with both the player and coach aligned.
Real Madrid prospect Alexis Ciria will have to wait for his Champions League opportunity despite making a strong impression on Jose Mourinho during pre-season.
The Castilla winger has been left out of Real Madrid’s European squad, but the decision is the consequence of UEFA registration rules rather than a sporting judgment.
According to journalist Arancha Rodriguez (h/t Defensa Central), Ciria was not eligible for Madrid’s List B because he has not been with the club long enough to satisfy UEFA’s requirements.
Registering him would therefore have required Mourinho to include him on the more restrictive List A.
UEFA rules work against Ciria
List B provides clubs with additional flexibility to register young academy players, but being young enough is not sufficient on its own.
Players must also meet requirements concerning how long they have been eligible to represent the club.
Ciria does not meet those conditions because of his limited time at Valdebebas. Real Madrid would therefore have needed to sacrifice a List A position to register him.
With those places required for members of Mourinho’s senior squad, Ciria was ultimately left out.
Real Madrid’s List B instead includes youngsters such as Joan Martinez, Mario Rivas, Thiago Pitarch, Jorge Cestero and Daniel Yanez.
Many of these youngsters made a name for themselves under Mourinho during pre-season and could be used to make up the numbers in the Champions League squad.
They could also get some minutes off the bench, especially against relatively easier opposition, as Jose Mourinho looks to manage first-team minutes.
Mourinho still plans first-team opportunity
Importantly for Ciria, missing the Champions League squad does not appear to reflect a change in Mourinho’s opinion of him.
The youngster impressed during pre-season and is expected to continue spending time around the senior team.
Mourinho intends to give Ciria his official first-team debut during the season. That opportunity will now have to arrive in La Liga or the Copa del Rey.
The Portuguese tactician placed a lot of emphasis on trusting Castilla players during pre-season in the absence of first-team stars.
Ciria was one of the many names who made a name for themselves at Real Madrid during pre-season. He deserves a chance in the first team, and it remains to be seen how Jose plans his development.
