As the transfer window draws to a close, Real Madrid is gearing up for changes, with a clearer outlook following Xabi Alonso’s appointment as team coach in the summer of 2025. After the club’s recent victory over Sevilla, the sporting directors have begun assessing the future of several players, particularly in light of the team’s performance against Barcelona last weekend.
According to Defensa Central, Kylian Mbappé has made it clear that he wants to continue playing alongside Luka Modrić next season. In a recent conversation with club president Florentino Pérez, the French striker praised the Croatian midfielder, calling him “a special player” who still has much to offer. While Pérez highly values the input of his senior players, the final decisions regarding players’ futures rest with the club’s management.
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Modrić, whose contract extends beyond the upcoming Club World Cup, is content at Real Madrid. He is eager to stay for another year, driven by his ambition to play in the 2026 World Cup. This goal is a major motivator for him to continue, especially as he feels in peak physical condition to compete. However, he acknowledges the need for increased rotation and flexibility in his playing time.
Modrić is expected to have direct talks with Pérez, as he did last season, to discuss his future. Thus far, he has not indicated any intention of leaving the club. According to a report by journalist Jorge Picón in Relevo, sources close to Modrić suggest that the likelihood of him staying for another season is quite high.
The Croatian playmaker enjoys exceptional standing at Real Madrid, both among his teammates and the fans, who hold him in high regard. However, as Modrić approaches his 40th birthday, the reality of his evolving role within the team becomes apparent. His contributions will naturally be more limited than they were five years ago.
The club’s management is understanding of his desire to continue playing and is willing to offer him a contract renewal, provided it includes a modest salary reduction and a less prominent role in the starting lineup. Despite these changes, Modrić will remain a key figure in the dressing room, owing to his symbolic presence and vast experience.
Moreover, the relationship between Modrić and Alonso adds another layer to this situation. The two stars played together at Real Madrid for several years and share a strong professional and personal bond. This connection could play a crucial role in facilitating Alonso’s integration into the team, particularly at the start of his coaching tenure.
