AC Milan’s Luka Modric signs one-year contract extension
AC Milan has confirmed that midfielder Luka Modric has signed a one-year contract extension. The Croatian player, who will turn 41 in September, joined Milan last summer on an initial one-year deal that included an option for extension after his departure from Real Madrid.
Modric expressed his enthusiasm about remaining with AC Milan, stating he felt welcomed and loved from his first day. He acknowledged that the previous season fell below expectations and highlighted his strong desire to improve. Modric is motivated by the project at Milan and is ready for the new season and challenges ahead.
During his first season with Milan, Modric made 37 appearances, scoring two goals. The team finished fifth in Serie A and reached the last-16 stage of the Coppa Italia. Milan will participate in the Europa League next season.
Modric’s continued role at Milan
Milan described Modric as a key figure in their midfield since his arrival, bringing experience and quality both on and off the pitch with humility and passion. The club noted that he is one of the most iconic players in world football and will continue his journey with the ambition to achieve new milestones.
Modric recently participated in his fifth World Cup, where Croatia was eliminated in the last 32 by Portugal. Since becoming national team captain in 2016, Croatia had previously been runners-up and finished third in the World Cup. The 2018 Ballon d’Or winner secured six Champions League titles and four La Liga titles during his time at Real Madrid. Before that, he played for Tottenham Hotspur over four years.
This season, Modric will play under new head coach Ruben Amorim, who took over from Massimiliano Allegri in June. Amorim and the club recognize the need to manage Modric carefully due to his age, especially with Milan competing in Serie A, the Europa League, and the Coppa Italia.
While Modric was a regular starter in the 2025-26 season, the upcoming campaign may see him in a more part-time capacity. He is expected to feature in a number of high-quality matches rather than the many games the club could face in a full calendar. The focus is on ensuring a fresh Modric for key moments.
Squad dynamics and future outlook
The decision to keep Modric is part of a broader strategy that also involves other midfielders. Ardon Jashari, who joined last summer for €34m plus bonuses, had a first year impacted by a fibula injury. Under Amorim, Jashari is expected to have a more prominent role, particularly in the interior midfield position within Amorim’s preferred 3-4-2-1 formation.
Amorim believes Jashari’s combination of playmaking vision and ball-recovery skills makes him a suitable successor to Modric. Jashari, who started nine league games last season, is set to join the squad in Perth on August 3. Balancing the squad will be a key challenge for Amorim, as a midfield pairing of Modric and Jashari might lack the physical presence needed for the Italian top flight.
The team has more physically robust options like Youssouf Fofana, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Adrien Rabiot, suggesting that Amorim will rotate his creative players based on the opposition’s demands. The Europa League is likely to be a primary platform for Jashari to gain consistent rhythm and experience. Modric intends to retire from international football, allowing him to focus exclusively on AC Milan’s pursuit of trophies and a strong performance in European competition.
In other transfer news, Milan has also reportedly secured the signing of 20-year-old Troyes defender Sankhoun Diawara and extended youngster Francesco Camarda’s contract until 2031.
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Source: bbc.com
