Luka Modric’s commitment to the Real Madrid badge is unmatched and it might be decades before the club sees a more loyal and passionate player. As the player edges towards 38 however, the club’s desire to look for a younger replacement is not unjustified.
Jude Bellingham is the candidate best placed to take over the midfield reins from Modric. The English International had a phenomenal World Cup campaign for the Three Lions and Los Blancos are prepared to shell out over €100 million for his transfer.
According to reports from Rodrigo Faez, Real Madrid see Modric as a mentor for Bellingham at the club next season as they prepare for the Croat’s impending retirement. Needless to say, the veteran star is well aware of his situation and will be pleased to take over the role of a mentor-cum-player.
January will be a very critical month in terms of the Bellingham deal. Real Madrid plan to contact Borussia Dortmund soon and are very confident that they can pull off the heist.
Dortmund, for their part, are set to hold showdown talks with Bellingham this week to learn his intentions about his future. On top of that, it is said that the Black and Yellows will demand a sum of €140 million for the 19-year-old.
The Englishman will join forces with Aurelien Tchouameni, Federico Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga to form what could be Europe’s strongest young midfield. He will take the attacking midfield role, looking to not only dictate the play behind the striker but also directly threaten on goal.
Modric’s contract with the club ends this summer but he is expected to extend for a further season. And having him mentor Bellingham, should the Englishman complete a move to the Bernabeu, would be extremely beneficial for the youngster as well as Real Madrid.