Luka Modrić, a Real Madrid legend, has signed a one-year contract with Milan, valid until June 2026, marking the start of a new phase in the 39-year-old Croatian midfielder’s career. The transfer, confirmed by renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano, fulfills rumors circulating since June 2025, when negotiations between the player and the Italian club gained momentum. Modrić will join Milan after competing in the Club World Cup with Real Madrid, concluding a 13-year stint at the Spanish club, where he won 28 titles, including six Champions Leagues. The move to Serie A represents a challenge for the player, who opted to continue competing at a high level in Europe, rejecting offers from leagues like the Saudi Pro League and Major League Soccer. The announcement sparked great excitement among Milan fans, who see the Croatian as a leader for the 2025/26 season.
Modrić’s decision to join Milan reflects his desire to stay in a competitive league, particularly with a club steeped in Champions League history, where he shone with Real Madrid. The player, who will turn 40 in September 2025, has already expressed enthusiasm for the Italian club’s project, which aims to reclaim prominence in Serie A after a disappointing eighth-place finish. Manager Massimiliano Allegri, in his second stint at Milan, hailed Modrić’s arrival as a milestone for the team.
- Storied career: Modrić won 28 trophies with Real Madrid, becoming the club’s most decorated player.
- Milan contract: A one-year deal, with an option to extend until 2026, based on performance and mutual agreement.
- Rejected offers: The Croatian turned down lucrative bids from clubs in Saudi Arabia and the United States.
- August arrival: Modrić will report to Milan after the Club World Cup ends in July 2025.
Modrić’s transfer is seen as a strategic move by Milan to strengthen its midfield and bring experience to a youthful squad. The club, which lost players like Tijjani Reijnders to Manchester City, is banking on the Croatian’s leadership and technical quality to boost its performance next season.
🚨🔴⚫️ Luka Modrić to AC Milan, here we go confirmed! Exclusive story from June and deal now in place for Croatian midfielder.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 10, 2025
Modrić counter signed one year contract at AC Milan valid until June 2026, arriving after Club World Cup as planned.
Deal confirmed. ✅🇭🇷 pic.twitter.com/mwRBg7oNp6
New midfield leader
Luka Modrić’s arrival at Milan is more than just a signing. Known for his vision and precise passing, the Croatian brings a leadership profile that could transform the team’s performance. During his time at Real Madrid, Modrić was pivotal in historic triumphs, including five Champions Leagues between 2014 and 2022. His ability to organize the midfield and control the tempo of matches will be crucial for a Milan side seeking consistency in Serie A.
Massimiliano Allegri, in his first press conference as Milan’s manager, didn’t hide his excitement about the signing. He described Modrić as an “extraordinary player” whose experience will be a game-changer in critical moments. Allegri, who took over in May 2025 after Sérgio Conceição’s sacking, has already begun planning the Croatian’s integration into the squad. The manager emphasized that Modrić will have a central role, acting as a link between young talents and seasoned players.
Moreover, Modrić’s signing aligns with Milan’s strategy of blending youth and experience. The club invested in promising players like Samuele Ricci, acquired from Torino for 23 million euros, but needed a proven leader to guide the group. Modrić, with his illustrious career and exemplary professionalism, fills that gap.
Roots with Milan
A detail that makes the transfer even more special is Modrić’s emotional connection to Milan. As a child, the Croatian was a fan of the club, inspired by icons like Marco van Basten and Franco Baresi. This affinity was noted by sources close to the player, who revealed his excitement about wearing the rossonero jersey. The chance to play for the club he admired in his youth adds a personal touch to Modrić’s decision, especially when he could have opted for more lucrative contracts elsewhere.
The player also showed commitment to his new team by planning an early arrival in Milan. Although the Club World Cup may extend into mid-July, Modrić has indicated he might cut his vacation short to begin training by late July. This attitude underscores his reputation for professionalism and dedication, qualities that made him a legend at Real Madrid.
Glorious Real Madrid tenure
Before moving to Milan, Luka Modrić left an undeniable legacy at Real Madrid. Over 13 years, he played 597 matches, scored 39 goals, and won 28 titles, including six Champions Leagues, four La Liga titles, and five Club World Cups. His final match for the club, a 4-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup semifinal, was an emotional moment, marked by embraces from teammates and manager Xabi Alonso.
- Real Madrid records: Modrić is the club’s most decorated player, surpassing legends like Raúl and Sergio Ramos.
- 2018 Ballon d’Or: The Croatian was named the world’s best player, breaking the Messi-Ronaldo dominance.
- Final match: The Club World Cup elimination marked the end of his time at the Spanish club.
- Legacy: Modrić is celebrated for his humility, leadership, and impact on and off the pitch.
Modrić’s departure from Real Madrid was met with tributes from players and fans. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois noted that the Croatian would leave a “void” in the squad, while Xabi Alonso called him a “legend.” Modrić’s choice to join a club not competing in the Champions League, thus avoiding a matchup against Real Madrid, was seen as a gesture of respect toward his former team.
Milan’s 2025/26 strategy
Modrić’s signing is part of an ambitious project for Milan’s 2025/26 season. After a lackluster year, finishing eighth in Serie A, the club is pursuing a squad and coaching staff overhaul. Allegri’s arrival, having previously managed Milan from 2010 to 2014, signals the club’s intent to regain European relevance.
In addition to Modrić, Milan reinforced its midfield with Samuele Ricci and retains players like Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Youssouf Fofana, and Yunus Musah. However, the departure of Tijjani Reijnders to Manchester City and the potential transfer of Theo Hernández to Al-Hilal left gaps in the squad, which Modrić and other signings are expected to address. Sporting director Igli Tare and manager Geoffrey Moncada played key roles in negotiations with the Croatian, convincing him to choose Milan over other offers.
Salary and contract details
Modrić’s contract with Milan includes a salary of approximately 3.5 million euros per season, with performance-based bonuses tied to the club’s success in Serie A and the Champions League. The deal, valid until June 2026, features an option for a one-year extension, contingent on the player’s performance and mutual agreement. This contract structure reflects Milan’s cautious approach to signing a 39-year-old player, while also showing confidence in Modrić’s ability to deliver.
The Croatian, who has always prioritized sporting ambition, accepted a lower salary than offers from Saudi Arabia and the United States. His choice of Milan underscores his pursuit of competitive challenges, particularly in a tactically demanding league like Serie A.
Fan expectations
Modrić’s arrival has sparked immense enthusiasm among Milan fans. On social media, messages of support and welcome to the Croatian dominated discussions, with many highlighting his experience as a decisive factor for the club’s success. The fanbase, disappointed by last season’s inconsistent campaign, sees the midfielder as a beacon of hope, especially in matches against rivals like Inter Milan and Juventus.
Fans are eagerly awaiting Modrić’s debut, expected for the Serie A opener on August 23, 2025, against Cremonese. The anticipation is that the Croatian will bring stability to the midfield and help Milan regain its competitive edge domestically and internationally.
Season preparations
To be ready for his Serie A debut, Modrić plans to ramp up his physical preparation in August. Known for his discipline, the player is already working with a personal trainer to maintain fitness after the Club World Cup. His early arrival in Milan, scheduled for late July, will allow him to join the team’s pre-season, integrating with the squad before the official competitions begin.
Allegri, who has started outlining the starting lineup, is likely to deploy Modrić as a central midfielder, leveraging his ability to distribute passes and dictate the game’s pace. A partnership with players like Loftus-Cheek and Ricci could form a versatile midfield capable of competing with Serie A’s top teams.
European football buzz
Modrić’s move to Milan has also sparked discussions in the football world. Analysts see the signing as a sign of Milan’s determination to invest in big names to restore its status as a European giant. The Croatian’s decision to join a club not in the 2025/26 Champions League surprised some, who expected him to move to a more prominent continental contender.
However, Modrić’s choice to stay in a competitive league like Serie A reinforces his reputation as a player driven by sporting challenges, not just financial gain. The transfer was also viewed as a market coup for Milan, which secured one of the past decade’s greatest players without a transfer fee.
