Modric opens talks to leave Real Madrid for Saudi Pro League in January transfer

Suraj Radia

18 Nov 2023 11:10 CST
3 min read

Luka Modric could leave Real Madrid in January, with multiple clubs from the Saudi Pro League looking to sign the veteran and end his 12-year stint in Spain.

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Modric has seen his minutes decline in recent times as his career winds down and the 38-year-old is out of contract with Real at the end of the season.

Having started just four times in La Liga this year, Modric has admitted his frustration at his lack of game time and talks have now reportedly been opened with Saudi Arabian sides Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli.

UPDATE: The latest on Modric's future from Real Madrid

The Croatian has been linked with a move to Inter Miami but his next destination could be Saudi Arabia and a transfer could come mid-season rather than at the end of his contract, with Modric’s agent confirming there are ‘several offers’ for his client.

Borja Couce told Shoot: “Saudi clubs? This summer there was interest in Modric with the aim of signing him. The player has several offers, from a club from the capital and another club.”

“Modric is currently thinking about Real Madrid, but the idea of him moving to the Saudi Pro League is possible if the offer is suitable.”

Modric departure could signal end of Real’s iconic midfield

Real Madrid’s midfield of Toni Kroos and Modric had been iconic over the past decade but the duo could be set to break up after their partnership, which has seen them pick up 19 trophies in just under a decade.

Los Blancos had already looked to transition into a new era when they sold fellow long-serving midfielder Casemiro to Manchester United last season and Carlo Ancelotti’s side have been shifting towards a younger generation.

⚪️🇭🇷 Luka Modrić: “I'm gonna continue giving everything for Real Madrid”.

“Real Madrid means everything to me, it's part of my life and my family. Real Madrid is a way of being. I was born in Croatia but I feel at home here”. pic.twitter.com/u9XAL5f6Md
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 18, 2023

The likes of Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni have become focal points of Real’s side, while the team have also built around summer signing Jude Bellingham, meaning Eduardo Camavinga has featured predominantly at left-back due to the competition in midfield.

FREEBIE?: Premier League scramble after Kroos offered up for free

Kroos has still remained an important part of Real’s squad this season but the German’s contract is also set to expire next summer and it is likely he will leave the club, truly marking the end of an era for the Spanish giants.