Real Madrid Transfer News Roundup: Luka Modric ready to renew with Los Blancos; Aurelien Tchouameni set to turn down Liverpool, and more - May 8, 2023
Real Madrid are preparing to face Manchester City at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday (May 9) in the UEFA Champions League semifinal first leg. Carlo Ancelotti’s team are coming off a Copa del Rey triumph over Osasuna at the weekend.
Meanwhile, midfielder Luka Modric has informed Los Blancos that he wants to sign a new deal. Elsewhere, Aurelien Tchouameni is set to turn down interest from Liverpool to remain at the Santiago Bernabeu.
On that note, here's a look at the key Real Madrid transfer stories as on May 8, 2023:
Luka Modric ready to renew with Real Madrid
Luka Modric wants to sign a new contract with Real Madrid, according to 90 Min. The Croatian midfielder has been one of the most important players for Los Blancos in the past decade and continues to be vital to Ancelotti’s plans. The 37-year-old has defied age this season and has been a first-team regular for both club and country.
The La Liga giants have begun laying down succession plans for Modric. Real Madrid have brought in Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni in the last two transfer window to help the process.
However, the 37-year-old has shown no signs of slowing down, prompting the club to consider his renewal. It was previously believed that the impending arrival of Jude Bellingham would impact Modric's future, with the Croatian worried about his game time at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The La Liga giants are reportedly close to bringing the 19-year-old to the club this summer. His presence would add further competition in an already crowded midfield. However, it now appears that Modric is unfazed by the Englishman’s arrival and has told the club that he wants to extend his stay.
The Croatian also reiterated his desire to stay after the Copa del Rey triumph:
“My idea is to continue here at Real Madrid, for sure. This club is my whole life. Real Madrid is my whole life,” said Modric.
Modric now looks set to continue his sizzling partnership with Toni Kroos at the Santiago Bernabeu for at least another season.
Aurelien Tchouameni set to turn down Liverpool
Aurelien Tchouameni has no intention of leaving Real Madrid this summer, according to journalist Santi Aouna.
Recent reports have claimed that the Frenchman is unhappy at the Santiago Bernabeu. The 23-year-old has struggled to live up to expectations in recent months and has dropped down the pecking order under Ancelotti. He has been heavily linked with a move away at the end of the seaon, with Liverpool reportedly keen to get their hands on the player.
Manager Jurgen Klopp was eager to sign Tchouameni last summer but lost out to the La Liga giants. The German manager reportedly wants the Premier League giants to move for the Frenchman this year.
However, Aouna has said that the 23-year-old has no intentions of leaving Los Blancos this summer. Tchouameni remains determined to fight for his place at the Santiago Bernabeu, and the club are convinced he will come good.
Jose Mourinho willing to take charge at Santiago Bernabeu
Jose Mourinho is ready to take charge at the Santiago Bernabeu, according to transfer insider Fabrice Hawkins.
The Portuguese manager enjoyed a fruitful run with Real Madrid before moving on in 2013. He has since been around Europe and is now in charge of AS Roma. Mourinho has done a decent job at the Stadio Olimpico and was already contacted by Chelsea recently regarding the vacant position at Stamford Bridge.
While Mourinho has turned down a return to the Blues, he remains keen to manage a European superpower once again. The Portuguese is open to taking charge at Paris Saint-Germain, while he isn’t averse to a reunion at the Santiago Bernabeu either. Mourinho could be an option for the La Liga giants to consider should Ancelotti leave this summer.
Los Blancos ideally want the Italian to continue, but he's heavily tipped to take charge of the Brazilian national team at the end of the season. Should that situation arise, Mourinho’s name could make the shortlist of candidates to take over from Ancelotti.