Madrid close door on Eriksen, and put trust in Modric and Ceballos
Real Madrid intend to renew Luka Modric's contract, and are putting their confidence in Dani Ceballos to eventually become the rightful successor to the Croatian.
In the end, Real Madrid have decided not to move for Christian Eriksen. Although the Dane’s contract ends in 2020 and he could be thus be put up for sale at a reasonable price next summer, the LaLiga giants have decided to pull themselves out of the bidding for the Tottenham midfielder.
And there are two main reasons for this decision: Luka Modric and Dani Ceballos. Eriksen would have been a perfect replacement for Modric. But now it has been revealed that Madrid intend to renew the Croatian’s current deal to keep him at the club until he retires.
Furthermore, Madrid are confident that, in Dani Ceballos, they already have Modric's rightful successor playing at the Bernabéu. The 22-year-old is a personal favourite of president Florentino Peréz and his impressive performance this season has served to further convince those who have long seen him as Modric's natural replacement.
The gradual and natural hand-over of Modric's mantle to Ceballos
The idea, therefore, is that Modric will continue as one of Madrid’s key players for a few more seasons, before gradually losing prominence in the team due to his progressing age.
However, that will not be problem considering the Croatian’s nature. He knows that, in his twilight years, he will at some point lose his starting position. But he is not the kind of personality that would cause difficulties or conflict as a result. Those in the Bernabéu boardroom are well aware of that fact and hence they have decided to offer him a renewal to keep him at the club until his retirement.
In addition, the relationship between Modric and his potential successor is superb. The Croatian took Ceballos under his wing in the dressing room. Modric advises him and Ceballos appreciates how much he welcomed him in to the first team from day one. As such, the eventual hand-over of Modric’s mantle to Ceballos will be a natural one. And that is why Madrid has withdrawn from the race to sign Eriksen. With Ceballos, they believe they have Modric’s position well covered.
