Real Madrid has a handful of players who are prepared to go and a large number who are doing all in their power to stay. Players departing and others replacing their roles is a continuous process that is not unique to Los Blancos, but making these arrangements ahead of time is critical to keeping ideas on track.
Currently, three Real Madrid players have contracts that will expire at the end of the 2024/25 season. The list includes Luka Modric, Lucas Vazquez, and Jesus Vallejo. In the next months, it will be determined which of the three players will be allowed to go and which will remain and play for another season.
Jesus Vallejo's perspective is clearer than others. Even if the media does not report it, it is clear that the club does not expect him to stay, and only a miracle will convince Madrid to grant him a contract extension. Thus, one of the three is virtually finished.
Luka Modric discusses his plan to stay on or retire
At the start of the season, Real Madrid great Luka Modric signed an extension with the team, in accordance with the club's rule that players over 30 are only eligible for yearly renewals. With that in mind, the contract is coming to an end shortly, and a decision must be made.
The club's analysis of the issue is not yet definite. However, the Ballon d'Or winning midfielder has delivered his opinion.
Modric spoke to the media during the Croatian national team's international break, before his Nations League match against France.
When questioned about the possibility of retiring, the player stated, "I'm not thinking about that right now, but I've already said that I'd like to retire at Madrid because it would be a dream for me, but we'll see what happens. There's a lot of the season left and I have to focus on what's left, because there are a lot of games. We'll see what happens because I'm in no rush".
Modric turns 40 in September of this year, and it is unclear if he would retire or continue with Los Blancos for another year. However, the footballer has stated that he is not thinking about it right now and prefers to focus on the running season. One thing is certain: Modric will retire as a Real Madrid player. That is to know whether it will happen at the conclusion of this season or the next one.