Real Madrid
Modric not the only Madrid contract doubt ahead of free agency
More than one Real Madrid player will be able to leave on a free transfer next summer.
New year, new Madrid? For Vallejo, 2024 marks a turning point—his time at Madrid is set to last just six months. For Modrić and Lucas Vázquez, it might also be a time of change—or perhaps not.
Their futures hinge on several variables. By the time the calendar flips its final page, their contracts will be ticking down, with June 30 marking a possible conclusion.
Whether it’s a definitive end in LaLiga or not remains uncertain—a scenario both the Croatian and Galician players are familiar with, having faced similar circumstances just a year ago. Then, it all ended with a signature. Now, with Mendy’s contract already sealed (albeit not yet announced), the spotlight turns to Lucas and Luka, Madrid’s remaining renewal puzzles.
Only Valverde surpasses Modrić in games played in 2024
Luka Modrić will turn 39 this year, entering the twilight of his career with a diminished role on the pitch but an unparalleled legacy as Madrid’s most decorated player, boasting 28 titles.
Recently, Dani Ceballos has begun to eclipse Modrić in importance. The numbers tell the story: in Madrid’s last nine matches, Ceballos has started five and played 495 minutes, compared to Modrić‘s three starts and 334 minutes. It’s a symbolic changing of the guard.
And yet, Modrić remains indispensable. He has appeared in all 26 games this season, proving his resilience and enduring fitness. While his playing time has become more sporadic, his impact remains undeniable.
In 2024, only Valverde, with 68 games across all competitions, surpasses Modrić’s 67 appearances. At nearly 40 years old, he remains among the top performers in Europe’s major leagues—a testament to his remarkable longevity.
'Nobody will need to pressure me'
“Nobody will need to pressure me,” Modrić recently said about his future. As in past years, his continuity will depend on his own decision. He must weigh his present role, his feelings, and Madrid’s plans, which include scouting for a new midfielder this summer. Whether he continues playing or retires will ultimately be his call.
Madrid has made it clear they won’t stand in his way—be it to extend his stay or facilitate his departure. Offers won’t be lacking, as evidenced by the €200 million proposal from Saudi Arabia he previously turned down. Modrić summed it up best: “At my age, you can’t overthink things. I take it game by game. As long as I enjoy myself on the pitch, I’ll continue. When the enthusiasm fades, I’ll stop. Nobody will need to pressure me.”
Lucas Vázquez: a reliable veteran
Lucas Vázquez faces a slightly different, yet equally uncertain future. At 33, he’s playing a vital role this season, especially following Carvajal’s injury, which has made him the squad’s only natural right-back. Alternatives, like converting Valverde or Asencio, remain makeshift solutions.
Lucas has already logged 1,230 minutes this season, compared to the 1,872 minutes he played all of last season—with over half the campaign still to come.
Coming off one of his best seasons (three goals and nine assists), he continues to demonstrate his attacking prowess, even if he occasionally struggles defensively against fast, physical wingers. Ancelotti, however, has full confidence in him.
As with Modrić, Madrid will not obstruct Lucas’s potential renewal. Last season, both parties reached an agreement smoothly, and the club views him as a dependable backup to Carvajal (who is under contract until 2026). Moreover, Lucas is a key figure in the dressing room, bridging generations and maintaining harmony.
However, Lucas’s position is complicated by Madrid’s reported interest in Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold. If the Englishman joins, Lucas would likely find himself relegated to a secondary role. His future, like Modrić’s, hinges on balance—Madrid is leaving the decision in his hands.
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