Real Madrid extended Luka Modric’s contract this summer for an extra season, with the 38-year-old under the impression he will remain a crucial part of Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
However, so far this has not happened. While Modric was instrumental in Los Blancos’ comeback against Barcelona in the last El Clasico, he has generally remained on the bench since being withdrawn at half-time in the Madrid derby.
Last season, Modric remained the starter for Ancelotti, but he has started just 6 of 16 games this season, managing just 617 minutes in those games. While on duty in Croatia, Modric also publicly discussed his dissatisfaction with the situation.
According to Rudy Galletti, this has encouraged two Saudi Arabian clubs to pursue him in the January transfer window. He was already the subject of interest in the summer but turned down a huge contract to stay at the Santiago Bernabeu.
This winter, Al Ittihad and Al Ahli are interested in Modric, but unlike in the summer, they will need Real Madrid’s permission if they want to do the deal immediately.
An injury to Aurelien Tchouameni is expected to keep him out for two months, which should ease Modric’s worries somewhat. Eduardo Camavinga will move deeper into the defensive midfield spot, meaning Modric will become the first option in midfield behind Toni Kroos and Fede Valverde.
It seems more likely that Modric will save his departure until the end of the season, but Saudi Arabia will undoubtedly put a lot of money on the table to convince him otherwise.
