Saudi Pro League club to reignite interest in Real Madrid superstar, player likely to be available as a free agent in the summer - Reports
According to AS, Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal are determined to bring Real Madrid superstar Luka Modric to the club in the summer. Modric's current contract with Los Blancos ends at the end of the current season.
Al-Hilal were keen on signing the Croat in the summer of 2023 and reportedly offered him a mega three-year deal worth €300 million. However, he stayed put at the Spanish capital, penning a one-year deal.
Modric has since made 22 appearances for Carlo Ancelotti's team, scoring one goal and providing five assists across competitions. The 38-year-old, however, reportedly won't be offered another extension in the summer, meaning he will be available for free.
Al-Hilal look set to reignite their interest, as per the aforementioned report. The SPL club have the likes of Ruben Neves, Neymar, and more in their ranks. Modric's arrival would further boost the team's profile.
Luka Modric joined Real Madrid from Tottenham Hotspur in 2012 for a reported €35 million. After a struggling adaptation phase, he became a mainstay at the heart of the midfield, making 510 appearances for the Madrid giants.
He has scored 38 goals and has laid out 82 assists for his teammates. Modric has won a total of 22 trophies for Los Blancos, including a record five UEFA Champions League trophies and three La Liga titles.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has explained his decision to start Luka Modric over Toni Kroos against Atletico Madrid
Real Madrid defeated city rivals Atletico Madrid 5-3 in the semi-final of the Supercopa de Espana in Riyadh. Los Blancos will now face rivals Barcelona in the final on January 14.
Luka Modric started the game against Los Rojiblancos ahead of Toni Kroos. Carlo Ancelotti explained his decision after the game, saying that Modric was the fresher player. He said (via Los Blancos' website):
"I chose Modrić to start because Kroos had a knock and has only trained for the last two days. I preferred to put in a fresher player in this regard. These are very tricky choices."
Ancelotti's side will have the chance to avenge the loss to Barcelona in last season's Supercopa de Espana final. Xavi's team emerged victorious 3-1 when the two teams played at the same stage in 2023.