After a glittering 12-year spell at the Santiago Bernabeu, Luka Modric is officially set to leave Real Madrid this summer.
Luka Modric Set to Leave: Real Madrid Identify Two Midfield Stars as Successors
The Croatian maestro, who has been the heartbeat of Real’s midfield for over a decade, will bid farewell at the end of the season — and preparations for life without him are already underway.
Real Madrid are actively scouring the market for Modric’s successor, and two standout names have emerged: Enzo Fernandez and Exequiel Palacios.
Enzo Fernandez, currently at Chelsea, is high on Real Madrid’s wishlist. The Spanish giants had been eyeing the Argentine star since his World Cup-winning heroics in 2022 and are now reigniting their interest.
Despite a challenging stint in the Premier League, Enzo remains a top talent — one who could bring a fresh edge to Madrid’s evolving midfield.
However, Chelsea are unlikely to part ways with their young midfielder easily. With the Blues preparing for their own summer plans, Real Madrid could face a tough negotiation process.
That’s where Exequiel Palacios comes in. The Bayer Leverkusen midfielder has enjoyed a strong season under Xabi Alonso — who is set to take the reins at Real Madrid this summer.
Alonso’s familiarity with Palacios could prove pivotal in luring the Argentine to Spain. But Madrid will need to act fast, as Manchester City are also monitoring the 25-year-old’s situation closely.
Real Madrid are already shaping their summer business. Young defender Dean Huijsen has signed, and deals for Trent Alexander-Arnold and Alvaro Carreras are close to completion.
A new midfielder is expected to be the final piece of the puzzle before the squad travels to the United States for pre-season.
While Enzo may be difficult to land in time for the Club World Cup, Palacios could be a more realistic option — especially with Alonso keen to bring trusted players with him.
The end of the Modric era marks a significant moment in Real Madrid’s history. But with the club’s ambitions and recruitment strategy, the future remains just as promising.
