Real Madrid Transfer News Roundup: Nacho opens up on his future; Luka Modric wants to retire at Santiago Bernabeu, and more - May 29, 2024
Real Madrid are preparing to lock horns with Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League final at the Wembley on Saturday, June 1. Carlo Ancelotti has already won the league and now has his eyes on the fifth Champions League trophy of his managerial career.
Meanwhile, Nacho Fernandez has already decided his future. Elsewhere, veteran midfielder Luka Modric wants to hang his boots at the Santiago Bernabeu.
On that note, here's a look at the key Real Madrid transfer stories as on May 29, 2024:
Nacho Fernandez opens up on his future
Nacho Fernandez has revealed that he has already decided his future. The Spanish defender's contract with Real Madrid expires next month, but he hasn't signed a new deal.
Nacho remains heavily linked with an exit from the Santiago Bernabeu amid interest from Saudi Arabia, MLS and the Serie A. It has also been reported that Los Blancos want him to stay at the club for another season.
Speaking recently, as cited by Managing Madrid, the 34-year-old added that winning the Champions League or the Euros won't affect his decision.
“My place in the Real Madrid team? I always start as one of the last in line, but thanks to my effort and my work I manage to turn the situation around. In the end every year I am important in the team,” said Nacho.
He continued:
“My future? I have decided what I am going to do when the season ends, but I am not going to say it now, it is not the day, it is not the moment. Nothing that happens is going to change my decision, even if we win the Champions League or the European Championship.”
Nacho rose through the ranks at the Santiago Bernabeu and has spent his entire senior career with the La Liga champions.
Luka Modric wants to retire at Real Madrid
Luka Modric has reiterated his desire to end his career at the Santiago Bernabeu. The Croatian midfielder has dropped down the pecking order this season, registering 45 times across competitions, almost half of which have been from the bench. Modric's contract with Real Madrid expires in just over a month, and his future remains uncertain.
However, speaking to the press, as cited by acclaimed transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the 38-year-old hinted that he wants to stay.
“The decision on my future is made but I can’t tell you yet. I have always said I want to retire at Real Madrid, this is what I really want. This would be a dream, this is my home, the club of my life. I want a farewell like Toni Kroos,” said Modric.
He continued:
"I can’t say when, I have to see how I feel… but right now, I feel so good physically that I’m sure I can still play elite football. Don’t look at the age. I feel great.”
The veteran midfielder also went on to rubbish rumours that he agreed a player-cum-coach role for next season.
“I don’t know where it comes from … but no. No assistant, no 2nd coach. I’m still a player, that’s what I want to do! I want to play,” wrote Modric.
With Toni Kroos deciding to retire at the end of this season, Modric's presence in the backroom could be vital to the club's younger players.
Carlo Ancelotti remains coy about Kylian Mbappe move
Carlo Ancelotti has refused to indulge in talk of Kylian Mbappe's impending arrival at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The French superstar is set to leave Paris Saint-Germain once his contract expires at the end of next month. All signs indicate that the 25-year-old is on his way to Real Madrid this summer, but both parties remain tight-lipped about the matter right now.
Speaking to the press, as cited by Madrid Universal, Ancelotti avoided equations about Mbappe and opted to focus on Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham instead.
“Kylian Mbappe? I’m only going to comment on my players as they’re very, very good. Vinicius is improving every day, Jude Bellingham immediately understood what it means to be at Real Madrid,” said Ancelotti.
The legendary Italian manager also expressed a desire to retire at Los Blancos but only after winning another Champions League.
“I’m going to retire at Real Madrid, but first I want to win another Champions League,” said Ancelotti.
Ancelotti signed a new deal with the La Liga champions last year, which runs till 2026.