Luka Modric (40) is likely to end the golden era of Real Madrid and begin a new challenge at AC Milan.
On the 4th (Korea time), multiple Italian media outlets, including 'Sky Italia,' 'Di Marzio,' 'Calcio Mercato,' and 'Alfredo Pedulla,' reported that "Luka Modric has positively accepted Milan's transfer offer, and the contract will be finalized within 24 hours at the earliest or two days at the latest."
Modric, who left Tottenham Hotspur to join Real Madrid in the summer of 2012, has lifted a total of 28 major trophies, including six Champions League titles and four La Liga titles, during his 13 years with the club. However, he decided to part ways with Santiago Bernabéu at the end of this season.
Modric is a midfielder who neutralizes opponent pressure with excellent ball control, dribbling ability, and precise first touch. He executes various passes, from accurate short passes to killer passes, and orchestrates the game based on tactical understanding and vision. His wide work rate, endurance, and ability to read defenses contribute significantly in midfield defense.
While primary stats such as goals and assists are somewhat low, he often plays a decisive role in important matches. He is regarded as a playmaker representing modern football alongside Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta and is considered one of the greatest midfielders of all time.
After sharing a tearful goodbye with fans in last month’s final home match, Modric will officially don the Real uniform after the FIFA Club World Cup taking place this month. The club is also respectful of his final journey.
Even after leaving Real, Modric still wants to compete on the highest European stage. Sky Italia reported, "Modric has welcomed Milan's approach with an open posture, and Milan is very confident about signing the contract."
Milan is currently actively working to bolster its midfield. It is expected to secure a transfer fee of €70 million (approximately 1.096 trillion won) by sending key midfielder Tijani Reijnders to Manchester City, with the plan to fill that gap with Modric. In fact, Milan has pursued Modric in the past and is showing a strong desire not to miss this opportunity.
'Marca' of Spain analyzed, "Modric had a deep affection for Zvonimir Boban during his childhood. This could be an important background for his decision to transfer to Milan." However, it added that "the fact that Milan will not participate in the Champions League next season could be a variable."
In fact, Milan finished 8th in Serie A this season, failing to secure a spot in European competitions. Consequently, the club has embarked on a structural reorganization, appointing Egle Tare as the new Director General and bringing in Massimiliano Allegri as manager, conducting a major rebuilding.
Modric's next destination remains an incomplete sentence, but the possibility of him wearing the red uniform of AC Milan is becoming more of a reality rather than a mere imagination.
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