Footballwonk

Milan initiate talks for Luka Modrić as legend eyes European swansong

Luka Modrić, set to leave Real Madrid after 13 iconic seasons, has emerged as a target for Milan, who are exploring a late-career move for the veteran midfielder amid competition from Saudi Arabia and MLS.

A tunnel-bound farewell marks Modrić’s silent exit from a legacy built over 13 seasons.

Luka Modrić, approaching the twilight of his legendary career, is determined to remain in European football. Despite offers from Saudi Arabia and MLS, a potential move to Milan has gained traction, offering the Croatian a fresh chapter in a top European league.

After 13 seasons at Real Madrid, Modrić will officially part ways with the club this summer. Signed from Tottenham in 2012, he is expected to make his final appearances for Madrid at the FIFA Club World Cup, which will be held in the United States—meaning his last match at the Santiago Bernabéu has already taken place. According to ESPN, the tournament will serve as the final chapter of his Real Madrid career.

Igli Tare leads Milan’s approach

Newly appointed Milan sporting director Igli Tare has wasted no time in putting Modrić’s name on the agenda. As reported by Fabrizio Romano, Tare considers bringing Modrić to San Siro a “personal dream.” After 14 years in charge at Lazio, Tare views the veteran midfielder as a key figure in Milan’s ongoing rebuild.

Modrić’s layered past becomes blueprint for Tare’s most symbolic transfer plan yet.

Retirement not on the table

At 39, Modrić has yet to make a retirement decision. Reuters reports that the midfielder’s contract with Real Madrid is expiring and that he is preparing for a departure. Romano adds that Modrić has received offers from “all over the world”—including MLS, Saudi Arabia, and several clubs within Europe.

Milan’s context: a European-free season

According to Football Italia, Milan have already made their first approach for Modrić, and the player is open to a return to Serie A. After finishing eighth in the 2024–25 Serie A season, Milan failed to qualify for European competition. Despite winning the Supercoppa Italiana in January against Inter, they lost the Coppa Italia final to Bologna in May. Goal reports that the club are now prioritising experience in their summer transfer plans.

Club World Cup remains Modrić’s focus

Modrić’s immediate attention remains on the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup. La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Milan’s proposal has been well received by the player’s camp, and discussions may continue in the coming weeks. Croatian national team manager Zlatko Dalić recently confirmed that Modrić is still driven by competition and trophies—not financial gain.

A motionless figure on a neutral pitch captures Modrić’s pause before one final meaningful choice.

Whether Milan’s project can truly match Modrić’s ambition for elite-level competition remains uncertain. Yet a move to Serie A at this stage of his career could mark a fitting final act in one of European football’s most storied journeys.