In Real Madrid’s offense, only Toni Kroos successfully plays against the generational change. The case of Luka Modric is different. The Croatian is currently being sorted out – and will probably leave in the summer
Casemiro left Real Madrid – after winning the 2022 Champions League – at a time when the now 31-year-old could have made another big move. Toni Kroos, as important and powerful as ever, has been eager to end his career for some time now – perhaps as early as the summer – and is still in control of it at a high level. Before he is eventually discarded. Just like Luka Modric this season.
The eldest of the royal side’s triumvirate of successful central midfielders, who will turn 39 in September, has gone from being a key player to a supplement over the past few seasons. Ideally, Real’s four-man midfield currently consists of Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde ahead of Aurelien Tchouameni and Kroos. Eduardo Camavinga and Brahim Diaz are now also ranked ahead of Modric, who often comes on as a late substitute
First 15 times in the starting eleven
The Croatian, who is said to have made it clear several times in recent months that he is not satisfied with his playing time, only featured in 15 competitive matches in Real’s starting line-up in 2023/24. The Madrilenians have played 35 competitive games so far.
Time is also taking its toll on the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner, who had a bitter experience in the Champions League round of 16 first leg at RB Leipzig on Tuesday: the high-class technician sat on the bench for over 90 minutes – something he hadn’t experienced at this stage of Europe’s biggest club competition for around six years.
Modric, whose contract expires in the summer, is on the verge of leaving. This is becoming more and more apparent. Increasing media reports also point to this. On Friday, the Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo confirmed this. The respected trade paper, normally closer to FC Barcelona, reported a move to Saudi Arabia or the USA in the summer.
An end to his career at the present time is considered unlikely, Modric can and wants to continue playing. Actually at Real Madrid. But his time is now up there, at least in terms of the role he would still like to have. His departure is inevitable. The end of a great era is imminent