Latest news with #Modric
News18
3 days ago
- Sport
- News18
Luka Modric To Join AC Milan After Club World Cup
Luka Modric will join AC Milan after the FIFA Club World Cup, leaving Real Madrid. Luka Modric is set to join Italian giants AC Milan after the FIFA Club World Cup. The Croatian midfielder had previously confirmed he would depart Real Madrid following the tournament, which is currently taking place in the United States of America. AC Milan Sporting Director Igli Tare has disclosed that both parties have verbally agreed to a deal which will see the midfield maestro don the renowned black and red of the club. AC Milan had a lacklustre season that saw them finish 8th in the Serie A, failing to qualify for Europe. 'I spoke to him in person and saw a guy who is really eager to be competitive. His arrival is crucial for a group that needs players like him and leadership. 'The first question Luka asked me was: 'Will we be a team built to win the championship?' He has won six Champions Leagues and wants to be a star player from the start. 'He is important for what he will convey in terms of mentality, leadership, and professionalism. The fact that he is an AC Milan fan makes this story even more exciting, and it would be great for him to have a stellar season, as at the end of the season is the World Cup," Tare told Gazzetta dello Sport. Since arriving from Tottenham Hotspur in 2012, Modric has etched his name into Real Madrid folklore, overcoming a challenging start. With nearly 600 appearances and almost 30 major trophies—including a record six UEFA Champions League titles and four La Liga crowns—Modric's impact has been nothing short of legendary. His 2018 Ballon d'Or win, breaking the Messi-Ronaldo duopoly, symbolised his quiet dominance on the global stage. Known for his vision, control, and elegance on the ball, Modric has been the heart of Madrid's midfield, orchestrating countless victories with grace and determination. Real Madrid have currently secured one win and one draw in their two Group H fixtures at the FIFA Club World Cup. They will face Austrian Bundesliga side RB Salzburg in the final group fixture on Friday (IST) in an attempt to qualify for the knockout rounds. With IANS Inputs First Published: June 26, 2025, 11:26 IST
UPI
4 days ago
- Sport
- UPI
Real Madrid's Luka Modric expected to sign with AC Milan
Real Madrid's Luka Modric (L) is set to leave the club this summer. Photo by Raul Caro/EPA-EFE June 25 (UPI) -- Veteran midfielder Luka Modric is expected to sign with AC Milan of Italy's Serie A after playing for Real Madrid at the Club World Cup, sporting director Igli Tare told reporters in Italy. "I spoke to him in person and saw a guy who is really eager to be competitive," Tare said, according to Gazzetta dello Sport. "His arrival is crucial for a group that needs players like him, leadership. "The first question Luka asked me was: 'Will we be a team built to win the championship? He has won six Champions Leagues and wants to be a star player from the start. "He is important for what he will convey in terms of mentality, leadership and professionalism. The fact that he is an AC Milan fan makes this story even more exciting, and it would be great for him to have a stellar season as at the end of the season is the World Cup." Sources told ESPN that Modric agreed to sign a one-year deal with an option for an additional season. He is set to make $4 million annually. Modric, 39, announced in May that he will leave Madrid this summer after the Club World Cup, ending his 13-year tenure with the Spanish La Liga power. He won a club-record 28 trophies during his decorated tenure with Madrid. Modric totaled 43 goals and 95 assists over nearly 600 appearances for the club. Madrid will take on RB Salzburg in their final Club World Cup group stage match at 9 p.m. EDT Thursday at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Real Madrid goal machine could wear the No. 10 jersey next season
Real Madrid goal machine could wear the No. 10 jersey next season Kylian Mbappe has been going through a tough time ever since landing on US soil earlier this month. The Frenchman is suffering from a viral illness, which has taken a heavy toll on his body while forcing him to miss Real Madrid's opening two matches in the FIFA Club World Cup. Advertisement Reports suggest Mbappe may have lost around 4-5 kilos due to his viral illness and the player could even miss Real Madrid's next match against RB Salzburg. Mbappe may wear number ten shirt next season While Mbappe's fitness is definitely a concern, MARCA reports that there is also some chatter going on about the Frenchman's shirt number next season. After a stellar debut campaign wearing number 9, where he plundered 43 goals to win the Pichichi and the European Golden Boot, a significant change could be on the horizon. The iconic number 10 jersey, long owned by club legend Luka Modric, will be vacant following the Croatian's departure at the conclusion of the Club World Cup. That spot now could be occupied by Mbappe. Mbappe dons the number ten shirt for France. (Photo by) Advertisement When the Frenchman initially arrived, there was no debate about the number, as it rightly belonged to Modric, so the Frenchman took the number 9 shirt. But with Modric leaving, Real Madrid need to fill up the number ten slot and there is no better candidate than Mbappe. Mbappe wears the iconic number ten shirt for Les Bleus and used to wear the same number during his time at AS Monaco. At PSG, Mbappe never surprisingly donned the number 10 kit, primarily playing with the number seven kit. While Mbappe has not requested the change, the Real Madrid hierarchy believes that the number 10 would cement his status as the undisputed leader and star of the current project.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Exclusive: Xhaka pushing for Milan move as Leverkusen resist
Granit Xhaka wants Milan with all his heart—he sees it as a bus he can't afford to miss at this stage of his career, especially as he's no longer a youngster. Bayer Leverkusen's hesitations, having already dismantled the squad by letting go of their most sought-after talents, stem from the fact that selling the midfielder would be another heavy blow to their outlook. But Xhaka has made his choice and doesn't intend to go back. LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY – APRIL 12: Granit Xhaka of Bayer 04 Leverkusen is seen during the Bundesliga match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and 1. FC Union Berlin at BayArena on April 12, 2025 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by) Milan need to get closer to the €15 million asking price for his transfer, well beyond any concerns related to his age (the club has always preferred younger players with potential resale value), especially after the deal made with Modric. Xhaka would add experience to Milan side LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY – MARCH 11: Granit Xhaka of Bayer 04 Leverkusen reacts at full time during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 second leg match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and FC Bayern München at BayArena on March 11, 2025 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by) Xhaka played 33 times in Bundesliga for Leverkusen last season and although the player turns 33 in September, his vast experience in the German top flight and Premier League would be an important boost if Milan were to sign the midfielder.
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Milan to Wait for Modric, Search For More Midfield Help
Luka Modric has committed to joining Milan, but he'll put pen to paper only after the FIFA Club World Cup, which he'll play with Real Madrid. The Rossoneri won't stop there to replenish their midfield, which has lost Tijjani Reijnders, Alfredo Pedullà informs. New director Igli Tare is targeting Granit Xhaka and Ardon Jashari. The former is open to the destination and to transferring in general, but it'll depend on Bayer Leverkusen's evaluation. He's 33 and has three more years on his contract. Advertisement Instead, the Club Brugge prodigy has a €35M valuation, which might be too high for Milan. He tallied 4 goals and 6 assists in 52 matches in the recently concluded season. He has four caps with Switzerland. The Belgian team signed him from Luzern for €6M two years ago. In the other direction, the negotiation with Napoli for Yunus Musah has slowed down after the early momentum. The Rossoneri upped their request, but it's still on. Instead, Lazio are keen on Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who thrived under Maurizio Sarri at Chelsea. He could be expendable under the right circumstances. Our Take on the Milan Midfield If they get the chance to sign a proven leader like Xhaka for cheap, they should go for it, but they should stop at one veteran to avoid dynamism and stamina-related problems. The best version of the Englishman would be an ideal piece to complete their new line, but he's coming off a hellish campaign from an injury standpoint, so they might have soured on him. They should look for somebody with similar traits, but younger and more consistent. They shouldn't miss out on selling Musah for a couple of extra million.
