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By Martin Graham | 3rd Jan 2023
2018 World Cup Golden Ball winner Luka Modric has turned down an offer from Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia to remain at Real Madrid.
Modric, who led Croatia to finish on the World Cup podium for the second tournament in a row at the just concluded 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, has been targeted by the Saudi giants as they seek out high profile signings to make their league attractive and marketable.
Having completed the signing of free agent Cristiano Ronaldo, Al-Nassr have reportedly turned to Sergio Ramos and Luka Modric. However, Modric has turned down their very lucrative offer and is holding out for a new contract from Real Madrid, where he has stated he would like to retire.
The 2018 Ballon d’Or winner is still one of the best midfielders in the world at 37 years old and believes he can still hold his own in Europe.
The 14-time UEFA Champions League winners have since signed players to effectively replace him when he finally exits the club, but his experience has continued to come in handy for the team as they look to defend their LaLiga title.
Modric is holding out for a contract extension of at least one more season at the Santiago Bernabeu but there is no news about the club’s intention in that regard. The club, however, are delighted with his declaration of intent to remain at the club and will open talks with him soon to that effect, according to reports.
The LaLiga giants are reportedly monitoring Jude Bellingham, who is also garnering interest from all the big clubs in his home country of England. They intent to add the 19-year-old’s talent to their side as they hope to field a new trio of Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni and Bellingham in the future to replace Modric, Toni Kroos and Casemiro, who has already left to join Manchester United.
Modric still has the quality to deliver on the biggest stages in Europe. However, it is unlikely that he will be actively playing in the coming years as the club plans for the future.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid are reportedly open to making another move for Kylian Mbappe following the protracted transfer saga which saw him sign an extension with Paris Saint-Germain.
However, Los Merengues will reopen negotiations on one condition: Mbappe has to hand in a transfer request to PSG.
They require this commitment from the player after the saga which led to them being blindsided by his decision to remain at PSG.
It remains to be seen what Mbappe wants to do with his future.
Martin Graham is an MFF sports writer
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