Real Madrid Transfer News Roundup: Luka Modric hints at potential exit; Los Blancos eyeing Malick Thiaw, and more - October 13, 2023
Real Madrid are preparing for their La Liga game against Sevilla on October 21. Carlo Ancelotti's team are leading the league after nine games.
Meanwhile, veteran midfielder Luka Modric has hinted that he could be considering his future at the Santiago Bernabeu. Elsewhere, Los Blancos are interested in AC Milan centre-back Malick Thiaw.
On that note, here's a look at the key Real Madrid transfer stories as on October 13, 2023:
Luka Modric hints at potential exit
Luka Modric has admitted that he's struggling to come to terms with his reduced role at Real Madrid this season.
The Croatian midfielder has dropped down the pecking order recently, with Carlo Ancelotti showing a preference for younger midfielders. The 38-year-old has registered nine appearances across competitionsfor Los Blancos, but most of them have been off the bench.
The situation has sent the rumour mill on overdrive. Inter Miami are monitoring the developments with interest and want to bring the player to the MLS. Lionel Messi is eager to team up with Modric next season. The Croatian's contract with the La Liga giants expires in less than 12 months, but he hasn't signed a new deal.
While on international duty, as cited by AS, Modric said that he's eager to play regularly.
"Well, it’s certainly a new situation for me not to play as much as before and as much as I’d like. You know I always want to play. I don’t want to have breaks, I don’t want to have vacations, I just want to play. I love it," said Modric.
He continued:
"I don’t want to be left out. I just want to play, every 3 days if need be, because I feel good physically. ... Everything that happens around me is part of a normal process, so I just accept it. I have to mentally prepare myself for this situation. Accept it and move on."
Real Madrid are unlikely to stand in his way if the 38-year-old wants to leave.
Real Madrid eyeing Malick Thiaw
Real Madrid are interested in Malick Thiaw, according to Mundo Deportivo. The 20-year-old defender has been in a good run of form for AC Milan recently.
The German has registered nine appearances across competitions for the Rossoneri this season, all of which have been starts. His efforts have turned heads at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Los Blancos are in the market for a young defender, with Antonio Rudiger, Nacho Fernandez and David Alaba on the wrong side of 30. Malick has been identified as an option and could be a fabulous choice for the La Liga giants.
The German is under contract with the Serie A giants till 2027 but could be available for €20 million next summer. Real Madrid should have no trouble paying that amount for the 20-year-old.
Paul Scholes heaps praise on Jude Bellingham
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has spoken highly of Jude Bellingham. The 20-year-old has been on a roll since joining Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund this summer. Los Blancos spent €103 million on the player, who has lived up to expectations at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Bellingham has appeared 10 times across competitions, racking up as many goals and three assists. Scholed said on TNT Sports that his compatriot's decision to snub Manchester United for Dortmund early in his career looks justified.
"I think Jude Bellingham for his age and what he’s accomplished so far in his short career, he’s better than anything we’ve seen.
"We (Manchester United) were very close to signing him, but he decided to go to Borussia Dortmund, which looks the right thing from what’s happened over the past couple of years," said Scholes.
He continued:
“It was a really brave move for him, but he looks such a driven lad, such a determined lad, such a professional player with so much talent. It’s incredible, but he’s got the temperament to go with it. Nothing seems to faze him.”
Bellingham has helped the La Liga giants deal with the departure of Karim Benzema, who left for the Middle East this summer.