Could we see the Ballon d’Or winners together again?
According to Rudi Galletti, a journalist familiar with the European transfer market, Al Ittihad will try to reunite Luka Modric and Karim Benzema.
The Saudi league is a popular place for superstars to finish their careers. The level of play is better than ever and the paychecks are huge.
The lure is so strong that even players who are not in the twilight of their careers and still competitive on the European stage are flocking to the Saudi league.
Clubs in the Saudi Arabian league have rolled up their sleeves to sign superstars and build an ultra-luxury army.
Starting with Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Neymar have joined the Saudi league.
The English Premier League (EPL) also fell victim to Saudi oil money.
N’Golo Kante, Kalidou Koulibaly, Edouard Mendy, Roberto Firmino, Leo Neves, Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, Riyad Mahrez, and many others have left the EPL and fallen prey to the lure of oil money.
The Saudi League’s ambitions know no bounds. Ballon d’Or winner Modric is on the way. Al Ittihad are salivating.
Modric joined Tottenham Hotspur in July 2008 to get a taste of the English Premier League (EPL), and his stellar performances earned him a move to Real in August 2012.
At Real Madrid, Modric has been a midfield genius, showcasing his ability to orchestrate the midfield while helping the club win numerous titles, including the league, Champions League, and Club World Cup.
Over the course of his career, Modric has been a key resource for Real, winning numerous trophies. He even won the Ballon d’Or, which is awarded to the best player in the world.
With Modric’s contract with Real set to expire at the end of the season, transfer speculation has been gaining momentum.
There have been offers for Modric. Saudi Arabia’s Al Nasr reportedly offered €40 million a year, but the offer was rejected.
Modric is reported to have made it clear that he would rather retire at Real on an extension, even if it’s a short-term deal. That’s a huge show of loyalty.
However, things aren’t looking good. Modric hasn’t been able to win a starting role this season.
Modric has struggled to find consistent opportunities, falling behind the likes of Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde.
Modric reportedly took his frustrations out on Real as he was unable to consistently get a chance.
Now comes the shocking news that Modric has handed in his notice to Real.
According to Eduardo Inda, a journalist for 안전놀이터 Spanish outlet OK Diario, Modric has handed in a transfer request to Real. He met with coach Carlo Ancelotti and the board.
Modric explained that he was unhappy on the bench and had run out of patience.
However, Modric’s loyalty to Real remains strong. He’s prioritizing staying.
However, if the worst comes to the worst for Modric, could Al Ikhtihad’s bid work?
Al Ittihad would love to have the Ballon d’Or winner Benzema-Modric combination they had at Real.