Luka Modric's future is hanging in the air. At 39 years old, the Croatian could be experiencing his last season as a Real Madrid player. Although it hasn't been confirmed yet, his possible retirement is on the table, or alternatively, a contract renewal for one more year. Either option seems viable, but the truth is that Madrid must begin to plan its future without its star. The search for a replacement for Modric has begun, and Enzo Fernández is the name that excites Madrid.
Luka Modric: End of an Era
Luka Modric has been an essential pillar at Real Madrid for more than a decade. With him on the field, the team has won multiple titles, including the Champions League, and has enjoyed his brilliant ability to control the game from the midfield. However, time waits for no one, and the Croatian is nearing his end as a professional.
The big question for Real Madrid now is whether Modric will decide to continue for one more year or hang up his boots. In any case, the club must start thinking about the future and finding a reliable replacement for his position, which is no easy task.
The Search for the Successor: Enzo Fernández
Enzo Fernández, the young Argentine midfielder from Chelsea, has become one of the most talked-about names to take Modric's place. Florentino Pérez is determined to sign Enzo Fernández and will offer 120 million euros. Real Madrid's interest in the Argentine is real, and the club is sparing no effort to secure his services. However, it won't be easy. Atlético Madrid has also shown interest in Enzo Fernández, complicating the operation. Chelsea's high price may be an obstacle, but Florentino Pérez doesn't rule out paying what's demanded if the operation is viable.
The Ideal Profile for Madrid
Real Madrid is looking for a midfielder profile different from the current players in its squad. Madrid seeks a piece that reinforces and completes its solid midfield. Enzo Fernández, with his ability to recover balls, distribute the game, and add presence in the opponent's area, is the ideal profile. Moreover, the Argentine is an undisputed player for Lionel Scaloni in the Argentina national team, which shows the quality and projection he has. With his talent and youth, Fernández could be the key piece for Madrid's long-term stability in the midfield.
Meanwhile, Qatar is keen to bolster the strength of their Stars League and is targeting a move for Luka Modric, a report has claimed. The 39-year-old penned a year-long extension with Los Blancos at the end of last season and has played an important role in Carlo Ancelotti's midfield in 2024/25. Modric has currently racked up the ninth-most appearances in the club's history and became Madrid's oldest-ever appearance-maker and goalscorer earlier this season.
With no new midfielders arriving last summer to fill Toni Kroos' void, Ancelotti has leaned on Modric more to support the likes of Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni, Dani Ceballos, and Jude Bellingham in the middle of the park. Modric has confirmed he wants to remain in the Spanish capital for another season ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which would be a suitable retirement point, and Ancelotti has said that the Croatian superstar deserves to decide when to leave Madrid after 13 years of supreme service.
However, Spanish media outlet MARCA reports that no contact has yet been made between Modric and the club's hierarchy regarding a contract extension. Although, it's worth noting that a similar situation developed towards the end of 2023/24 before the midfielder put pen to paper. While the veteran's more prominent role is likely to warrant a new contract, potential suitors for the 39-year-old are starting to circle.
Having seen the Saudi Pro League develop into one capable of attracting star talent from Europe, Qatar is desperate to bolster their own domestic top flight. The report adds that Modric is a name they're considering for the summer in order to bolster the prestige of the Qatar Stars League. Javi Martinez, Julian Draxler, Hakim Ziyech, and Modric's former Madrid teammate Joselu rank among the highest-profile figures currently plying their trade in the division.
As the season progresses, the future of Luka Modric remains uncertain. While fans hope to see him continue donning the famous white jersey of Real Madrid, the club must also prepare for life after the legendary midfielder. With Enzo Fernández as a potential successor and interest from abroad, the coming months will be pivotal for Modric and the club alike.
The excitement around potential transfers and the looming decision regarding Modric's future adds an extra layer of intrigue to the ongoing season. Will Modric choose to extend his illustrious career at Real Madrid, or will he consider a new adventure in Qatar? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: whatever his decision, Luka Modric's legacy at Real Madrid is already cemented.
