Luka Modric Agrees to Join AC Milan After Real Madrid Departure

Luka Modric is set to join AC Milan after agreeing to terms with the club. The veteran midfielder will leave Real Madrid following the FIFA Club World Cup. Modric is expected to undergo a medical and sign a one-year contract. The deal includes an option to extend until June 2027. He will earn a net salary of €3.5 million, plus bonuses.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Modric has accepted Milan’s offer after weeks of discussions. He chose to begin a new chapter in Italy. The Croatian international will join on a free transfer once his contract with Real Madrid expires. Modric will likely arrive in Milan early next week for his medical. After that, he will officially sign with the Rossoneri.

His decision was influenced by his love for Milan, which he supported as a child. Modric will not directly replace Tijjani Reijnders. However, he will add leadership and experience to a team looking to bounce back from a disappointing season.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

AC Milan finished the 2024/25 Serie A season in third place. They fell short of their title ambitions, finishing 18 points behind champions Inter. The team struggled with consistency and lacked experience in crucial moments.

Modric, who scored 4 goals and made 9 assists in 56 games for Real Madrid this season, brings quality and leadership. Real Madrid decided not to extend his contract, despite his wish to stay until 2026. This marks the end of a successful era in Spain for the 39-year-old Ballon d’Or winner.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Modric will first represent Croatia in a World Cup qualifier against the Czech Republic. After that, he will come to Milan for his medical and contract signing. After the FIFA Club World Cup with Real Madrid, he will join preseason preparations under the new AC Milan management.

The Rossoneri are also pursuing other midfield targets to rebuild their squad. They hope Modric’s arrival will help inspire a return to the top. Milan’s next competitive match will be in August when the new Serie A season begins. They aim to close the points gap on rivals Inter and challenge for the title in 2025/26.