Modric to follow Ronaldo to Al Nassr with Real Madrid exit looming

Suraj Radia

• 7 Mar 2023 12:43 CST
• 2 min read

Luka Modric could reunite with Cristiano Ronaldo this summer, with the veteran looking increasingly likely to leave Real Madrid when his contract expires at the end of the season.

Modric has been at Real since 2012, making nearly 500 appearances in all competitions, and the 37-year-old has still performed to a high standard in recent times despite his increasing age.

The Croatian has been calm over his future, insisting he would not make a decision on whether to renew his deal until the end of the season when he can assess his fitness and priorities.

UNTRUE: Modric denies links between his future at Real and Jude Bellingham

Modric has always claimed that he would be willing to retire at Real but only if he felt he could still contribute sufficiently on the pitch, however French outlet FootMercato reports that the midfielder is now closer to a departure than a renewal.

It is believed Modric is considering a new challenge after ten seasons in Madrid, with a move to Saudi side Al-Nassr the most likely option due to his ability to link up with Ronaldo and secure a last lucrative contract before retirement.

Real are also hesitant over whether to offer Modric a new deal and some within the club believe his departure could ‘make things easier’ for Madrid going forward.

How Modric exit could pave the way for Jude Bellingham’s arrival in Madrid

FootMercato claim that Real are concerned about waiting on Modric only for him to decide to leave and the club are considering accelerating plans to sign a replacement before the situation becomes desperate.

Jude Bellingham is Real’s number one target and the club’s director Juni Calafat met with the Dortmund midfielder’s father in London this week to make a proposal over a summer transfer.

PROGRESS: Real Madrid edge closer to Bellingham transfer

Bellingham’s €150 million asking price could prove to be a stumbling block for Real, particularly with Premier League sides such as Liverpool and Manchester City circling, however a deal will still be heavily pursued by Los Blancos.

With fellow veteran midfielder Toni Kroos also likely to leave when his deal expires in the summer, Modric’s departure could pave the way for Real to make a formal push for Bellingham, having previously been considering whether to hold off for another year or look at cheaper alternatives.