CONFIRMED: Luka Modric to stay at Real Madrid after signing contract extension

Martin Macdonald

• Updated: 27 May 2021 01:44 BST
• 4 min read

Luka Modric will stay with Real Madrid for at least another season after signing a one-year contract extension with the Spanish capital club.

The Croatian has been one of Real Madrid’s most important players over the last five years and has enjoyed huge success in his time with Los Blancos including two La Liga victories, four Champions League wins and, on a personal level, the Ballon d’Or in 2018.

At 35-years-old there has been speculation about his immediate future at the club due to his contract which was set to expire next month.

Modric was one of a number of high-profile players whose contracts ended in June, including Sergio Ramos and Lucas Vazquez.

While that pair look certain to leave, Modric will stay, as confirmed by the club on Tuesday.

A short statement by the club read:

“Luka Modric signed his contract renewal at Real Madrid City, alongside president Florentino Perez. The Croatian midfielder will remain at our club until 30 June 2022. Following the signing, he was presented with a jersey with his name and the number 2022 on the back.”

How good has Modric been this season?

Despite his advancing years, Modric continues to play most matches for Real Madrid, with young players like Fede Valverde so far unable to break into the midfield triopoly of the Croatian, Casemiro and Toni Kroos.

Modric has started 32 out of a possible 38 La Liga matches this campaign and has scored five goals and contributed three assists.

Real Madrid will undoubtedly need to look at replacing the former Tottenham midfielder sooner rather than later as although he continues to perform at a high level domestically, he was left wanting in the two Champions League semi-final ties against Chelsea.

Los Blancos have been linked with a host of midfielders for a potential summer transfer like Paul Pogba and Eduardo Camavinga, but any funds they have spare will likely be spent towards the potential acquisition of Kylian Mbappe or Erling Haaland.

That means that talents and experience of Modric will likely prove vital again in 2021/22.