To renew or not to renew – Unravelling Real Madrid’s dilemma over Luka Modric | OneFootball

12 December 2022, Education City Stadium, Qatar. That was the precise location and date when Luka Modric, yet again, scripted an unbelievable achievement with the Croatian national team on the biggest stage.

Despite having the title of defeated finalist, not much was expected from Croatia in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Led by captain Modric once more, however, they announced their prowess to the world on the night, taking down Brazil after engineering an unbelievable comeback.

Their captain, and the star Real Madrid midfielder, at the time, was 37 years of age. Yet, he played all 120 minutes for his country, led by example on the field, and was simply extraordinary with his every contribution.

They called it his final World Cup, but it was only the latest on a long list of ‘finals’ that had been prefixed in conjunction with his career.

Modric, over the years, has seen several ‘final seasons’, ‘final La Ligas’, and ‘final international tournaments’. What links all of them, ironically, is that they never really were the last time the magician graced the field for any institution.

Ageing like wine, it has simply been impossible for either club or country to refuse his services, and that lays the foundation for Real Madrid’s latest problem.

The ultimate dilemma

Luka Modric has scripted history with Real Madrid over the years. Regarded as one of the greatest players to ever grace the field, he has spent close to twelve years at the Spanish capital, winning it all and engraving his name in gold.

He has been the one constant through Real Madrid’s highs and lows, ecstasy and tears, and is universally loved by fans of the sport.

Despite watching former teammates move on from the club or being shown the exit door, Modric’s love for the club and the sport has kept him rooted in Spain.

The final goodbye? (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Several years have been celebrated as his final term at the club. His quality, however, never allowed an exit to materialise and he has regularly been the recipient of Real Madrid’s famed one-year extension.

The current term has followed the same trend, with many sources claiming it to be his last dance in Madrid. Yet, there has been an element of added conviction this time around, owing to a number of factors.

For starters, renewing Modric at 38 years of age for a further season seems like poor squad planning. The more important factor is the arrival of young and prepared replacements in midfield which rendered the department crowded.

The Croatian star struggled to adjust to the reduced playing time at first this season but has now accustomed himself to the new reality.

With no visible decline in quality, he is extraordinarily pushing for another extension at the club and has divided the board into two distinct sections – those in favour of a renewal and a sect against it.

Both options, needless to say, come with their own sets of pros and cons, and it is thus vital that Los Blancos make the right decision.

Weighting the benefits

‘What could possibly go wrong with renewing an in-form, evergreen club legend?’ one may ask, and there is indeed not much one can argue against it.

After all, Modric stands for Real Madrid and is synonymous with the club to a large extent. The veteran’s experience is invaluable to the manager and will be a massive weapon for the team on the big nights.

An added benefit of renewing Modric would be the mentoring he can provide the young and upcoming talents.

Ageing like fine wine. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

As a player who is aware that he is at the end of his cycle, the legend can help hone the club’s next generation of midfield heroes and help the team’s long-term project indirectly.

His acceptance of a reduced role only adds more fuel to the argument in favour of his continuity, for staying on the bench will not be a problem for the player.

Ancelotti will not be under much pressure to give him regular minutes and can continue developing the next generation as his primary focus.

The final point in giving him one more season is simply about honouring his contributions to the club and allowing him one final year at the club of his dreams and the chance to retire at Real Madrid, a desire that the player is said to have.

The inevitable cons

Keeping Modric on the bench for a hypothetical extended season, in theory, does not inhibit Ancelotti in any way as the player is willing to accept a reduced role.

Practically, however, it will paint a very different picture. Keeping the maestro who refuses to age on the bench is impossible, even if the player personally requests to not be played.

As has been the case this season, the veteran is one who steps up whenever asked and is capable of turning around a game even with a mere ten-minute cameo.

Will Modric stay or leave? (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

His presence alone in the squad, thus, will deprive younger names like Arda Guler of experience and minutes in high-pressure situations, simply because Modric offers the manager a more reliable solution at times of adversity.

Playing only on the rosy nights when the team boast of a lead, meanwhile, will not really help younger stars develop and may hinder the manager’s long-term project.

Conclusion

The day Luka Modric bids farewell to the club where he has defined an era is not far away. Any decision on his future, thus, must be taken after careful evaluation of the team’s situation and the player’s contributions.

A sect of the club administration are open to offering the player one final contractual year, and the player is reportedly open to the commitment as well. Should talks begin, there will be no hurdles in its finalising.

There is thus an urgent need for the board and management to arrive at a consensus over Modric’s future and his role in the case of an extension.