Luka Modric targeted by surprise club over summer free transfer

Qatar are keen to bolster to strength of their Stars League and are targeting a move for Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric, a report has claimed.

The 39-year-old penned a year-long extension with Los Blancos at the end of last season and has played an important role in Carlo Ancelotti's midfield in 2024/25. Modric has currently racked up the ninth-most appearances in the club's history and became Madrid's oldest-ever appearance-maker and goalscorer earlier this season.

With no new midfielders arriving last summer to fill Toni Kroos' void, Ancelotti has leant on Modric more to support the likes of Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni, Dani Ceballos and Jude Bellingham in the middle of the park.

Modric has confirmed he wants to remain in the Spanish capital for another season ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which would be a suitable retirement point, and Ancelotti has said that the Croatian superstar deserves to decide when to leave Madrid after 13 years of supreme service.

However, Spanish media outlet MARCA reports that no contact has yet been made between Modric and the club's hierarchy regarding a contract extension. Although, it's worth noting that a similar situation developed towards the end of 2023/24 before the midfielder put pen to paper.

While the veteran's more prominent role is likely to warrant a new contract, potential suitors for the 39-year-old are starting to circle. Having seen the Saudi Pro League develop into one capable of attracting star talent from Europe, Qatar are desperate to bolster their own domestic top flight.

The report adds that Modric is a name they're considering for the summer in order to bolster the prestige of the Qatar Stars League.

Javi Martinez, Julian Draxler, Hakim Ziyech and Modric's former Madrid teammate Joselu rank among the highest-profile figures currently plying their trade in the division.

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