Real Madrid sign two players for just two weeks

They’re Schrödinger contracts: yes and no at the same time. A paradox.

Lucas Vázquez and Luka Modrić’s contracts technically expire on June 30… and yet, also on July 13. You read that right. It’s a complex situation, but an easy one to explain. There will be a renewal—but hidden in the fine print: a two-week extension. Just enough to secure their participation in the Club World Cup. To finish the season right to the very end. It’s the bare minimum.

Both players are already aware of this… though not of what comes after. Continuing into next season? That’s a much tougher ask.

But for now, carpe diem. First, the Club World Cup.

This summer presents an unusual situation: many players’ contracts will expire mid-tournament—on June 30, right in the middle of the competition (which runs from June 15 to July 13). To address this, FIFA has asked clubs to negotiate short-term renewals with their players—amicable, two-week extensions. That’s exactly what will happen with Lucas and Modrić. No doubt about it.

It’s about sporting merit, but also respect. These are locker room leaders—Lucas the third captain, Modrić the first. They’ve earned the right to see the season through. They’ve been guaranteed participation in the group stage: Al Hilal (June 18), Pachuca (June 22), and Salzburg (June 27). But not the knockout rounds.

If Madrid finishes second in the group, they’ll play the Round of 16 on June 30—still under contract. But if not, they’ll play on July 1—out of contract, and coincidentally, on Lucas’s birthday.

To play that match—and anything that comes after—they’ll need those two extra weeks. And they’ll get them. Both players will sit down with the club after La Liga ends and agree to the extension. Same terms. Same everything. The salary for the period will be calculated, and the paperwork will be signed. There’s more than enough time to sort it out: 24 days between the last La Liga fixture and the Club World Cup opener—from May 25 to June 18.

And after that? That’s the real question.

Both players face a tough road to renewing for another full season—especially Lucas. The competition will be fierce: Carvajal will be fully fit at the start of next season, and if that weren’t enough, Alexander-Arnold is coming. He’s already signed—99% done. Just the signature is missing. Reports suggest he might even be registered for the Club World Cup. Liverpool is willing to cooperate. Even so, Lucas will stay until July 13. But after that, he’s set to leave.

Modrić has a shot, but it’s slim. The club has been planning a midfield overhaul for some time, with Zubimendi as part of that vision. Tchouaméni, Camavinga, Ceballos, Valverde, and Bellingham will all stay. There’s simply no room. Modrić’s only path forward is to take a pay cut and accept a reduced—nearly marginal—role. It’ll be his decision. He wants to play one more year, to stay until the 2026 World Cup with Croatia. What comes after that is a problem for another day.

Related stories

Boxing

The rematch that could close the circle between Bivol and Canelo Álvarez: “We’ll see what happens”

Boxing

This is the reason why the FIB took away Canelo’s title: “I do whatever I want”

For now, the Club World Cup is locked in. There will be an express renewal: they end on June 30, and at the same time, on July 13. These are Schrödinger contracts.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.