Short-Term Extension on the Table, Long-Term Future Still in Limbo
As the summer approaches and the football calendar shifts from domestic drama to international spectacles, Real Madrid find themselves at a familiar crossroads: deciding what comes next for Luka Modric, one of the club’s most iconic midfielders and a symbol of its recent golden era.
Now 39 years old and approaching his 40th birthday in September, Luka Modric remains a beloved figure at the Santiago Bernabéu. Yet, time waits for no player—no matter how talented or decorated. As things stand, his current contract is set to expire on 30 June, coinciding awkwardly with the start of FIFA’s revamped Club World Cup, which Madrid are set to take part in.
But the club appear to have a plan—at least for the short term.
Real Madrid Offer Club World Cup Lifeline
According to reports from AS and others, Real Madrid are prepared to offer Luka Modric a two-week contract extension that would enable him to feature in the Club World Cup, which concludes on 13 July. The idea is simple: allow the Croatian maestro to take part in what could be one last international club competition wearing the famous white shirt.
FIFA has already confirmed that such short-term deals will be permitted, making this a logistically straightforward move. From an emotional and symbolic perspective, it’s equally sensible. Luka Modric has been a fixture of Real Madrid’s midfield for over a decade, and giving him the chance to contribute during a major tournament feels like the respectful thing to do.
The same courtesy is reportedly being extended to Lucas Vázquez, another loyal servant of the club whose contract is also expiring. While Vázquez may not carry the same weight as Luka Modric in terms of legacy, his versatility and work ethic have long been appreciated by the club’s hierarchy.
A Future That’s Far Less Certain
While the short-term contract plan for Luka Modric is all but agreed upon, his long-term future remains murky. Unlike previous years, when one-year extensions were offered without much hesitation, this summer feels different. Madrid’s top brass are now fully committed to reshaping and rejuvenating the squad.
With a stacked midfield already in place—Aurelien Tchouameni, Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, Dani Ceballos, and Jude Bellingham—and with further reinforcements like Martin Zubimendi reportedly being targeted, the landscape has changed dramatically. Luka Modric, once untouchable, is now being asked to consider a reduced role and a reduced salary if he wishes to remain in Madrid beyond the Club World Cup.
Modric: Still Valuable, But at What Cost?
There’s no question that Luka Modric remains an elite footballer. Even as he approaches 40, his vision, composure, and tactical intelligence are rarely matched. He continues to receive plaudits not just for his passing range or his ball control, but for the way he elevates those around him.
But football is cruelly pragmatic, especially at the highest level. Madrid’s commitment to youth is not just philosophical—it’s strategic. As the club prepares for the next generation, the days of building the midfield around Luka Modric and Kroos are coming to a natural end.
For Luka Modric to stay, the club are being transparent: accept a lesser role, or walk away.
What Luka Modric Wants
For his part, Luka Modric has always made it clear that he wants to continue playing at the highest level, ideally staying with Real Madrid through the 2025-26 season, which would carry him all the way to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. Representing Croatia in one final major tournament has long been a goal of his.
There is a scenario in which that dream remains intact—but only if he’s willing to accept Madrid’s terms. The club isn’t pushing him out, but it also isn’t willing to guarantee minutes or maintain his current wage level.
It’s a classic football dilemma: a legendary player wants to stay and contribute, but the team must prioritize its future.
Lucas Vázquez: The Other Veteran in Limbo
Though not the headline act in this narrative, Lucas Vázquez finds himself in a parallel situation. The 32-year-old Spaniard has played multiple roles during his time in Madrid, filling in at right-back, on the wing, and as a utility option.
However, his future looks even more uncertain than Luka Modric’s. Madrid’s interest in Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is reportedly available on a free transfer from Liverpool, could push Vázquez down the depth chart and into irrelevance. While a temporary extension for the Club World Cup is likely, there’s little indication that Vázquez will be offered anything beyond that.
The Broader Picture: Youth Over Sentiment
Real Madrid’s new sporting project under Florentino Pérez and José Ángel Sánchez is defined by long-term planning and heavy investment in young talent. Signings like Bellingham, Camavinga, and Tchouameni were not just about improving today—they were about ensuring Madrid doesn’t fall behind tomorrow.
This project leaves little room for sentiment. Even club icons like Sergio Ramos and Cristiano Ronaldo eventually faced the same tough decisions: move aside or move on.
Modric, as beloved as he is, is not immune to that cycle. Madrid has already transitioned away from several veterans, and Luka Modric’s contract situation simply reflects the next phase of that strategy.
The Emotional Factor
There’s no escaping the emotional weight of Luka Modric’s potential exit. Since arriving in 2012, he has played over 500 matches, won five Champions League titles, and claimed a Ballon d’Or in 2018. His performances in Madrid’s white shirt have etched him into club folklore, right alongside Zidane, Raul, and Di Stéfano.
Letting him go—especially on a quiet, post-Club World Cup note—feels unceremonious. But such is the reality of modern football. Legends are often not given storybook endings, especially in clubs where winning takes precedence over nostalgia.
Final Decision Looming
As things stand, Luka Modric will get his short-term extension. He’ll play in the Club World Cup. He’ll likely receive a standing ovation in the final if Madrid lift the trophy in July.
But beyond that? Nothing is guaranteed.
The ball is now in Luka Modric’s court. Accept a new role and reduced wage to stay at Madrid—or seek a new challenge elsewhere, perhaps in MLS, Saudi Arabia, or even a romantic return to Dinamo Zagreb. One way or another, a decision will come soon after the final whistle in July.
And regardless of what Luka Modric chooses, he will leave behind a legacy few players in football history can match.
