New year, new life. For Jesus and Ijo, the reality is that he only has six months left as a Real Madrid player. For Luka Modric and Lucas Vasquez, that may or may not be the case. Everything depends on many variables, beyond the duplication of the players’ position. Right now their contracts will start counting down and end on June 30th.
It remains to be seen whether this will be the final farewell. This situation is not foreign to the Croatian nor to the defender. Both had experienced this before, just a year ago. So, it was all over with the signing. Now that Perlan Mendy has already signed his contract renewal (although not officially announced), Lucas and Luca are the question marks and contract renewals still pending for the team.
Modric – an impressive career at the age of 39
Modric is 39 years old with a diminishing role in the team, but with a growing history (the most successful player in Real Madrid history, with 28 titles). In recent times, he has lost his place in favor of Danny Sabaios, as can be seen in the data. In the last nine games, Sabaios started five and played 495 minutes, while Modric started three and played 334 minutes. Change of generations, without a doubt. This is the reality, as it is also a fact that Modric has participated in all 26 games of the season.
Physically, he is still in excellent shape, despite his age and even though he plays less. In 2024, only Federico Valverde (68 games) exceeds Modric’s 67 games in all competitions, including the national team. An impressive achievement for a player approaching the age of 40.
The continuation of Modric’s path depends on his personal desire, as it was in previous years. He will have to weigh the pros and cons, his feelings, his current and future role, and Real Madrid’s plans for next summer. Retirement is also an option on the table. The group, for its part, will not put up obstacles – whether he chooses to stay or whether he leaves. Modric has already rejected an offer of 200 million euros from Saudi Arabia, a country that is still following him.
Lucas and Essex – the dilemma continues
Lucas and Essex, 33, is in a similar, but different, position. Following Dani Carvajal’s injury, he became a key player as a right back, a position where the team has no natural alternatives other than players like Valverde. This season he has already played 1,230 minutes, compared to 1,872 minutes last season, with more than half a season to go.
Vassakes is proving himself again, with an impressive attacking contribution and a key role in the dressing room, but the horizon could change if Trent Alexander-Arnold joins Real Madrid in the summer, as the club hopes. In that case, Vasques could become a third option at the position, which would require him to consider his future as well. Either way, the players have the final say. In both Modric’s and Vasquez’s case, the team will let them decide. “The ball is in their court”, concluded in Spain.
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