Real Madrid icon Luka Modric may reportedly receive an approach to leave the Bernabeu for Qatar if he is not offered a new contract by Los Blancos.
The 39-year-old midfield maestro is due to leave the European champions on a free transfer at the end of the season and recently revealed that no discussions had taken place over an extension.
Modric will celebrate his 40th birthday in early September, but the Croatia international is still playing an important role for Carlo Ancelotti, making 47 appearances in all competitions this season.
Modric has produced four goals and seven assists in that time, although his age means that he is no longer a first-choice pick, starting six Champions League games and 13 La Liga matches this term.
Nevertheless, there is plenty of life left in the former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder's legs, and he is believed to be eyeing the 2026 World Cup with Croatia as his final hurrah.
Qatar 'considering' summer Modric move
© Imago
However, should Real Madrid ultimately decide against continuing their partnership for another year, Marca claims that the Qatar Stars League could try to lure him away from the Spanish capital.
Talents such as Marco Verratti, Hakim Ziyech, Luis Alberto and Julian Draxler are currently plying their trades in Qatar, as is Joselu, Modric's former Real Madrid teammate from last season.
The 39-year-old would enjoy a lucrative last payday in the Middle East, but he is supposedly still holding out for Real Madrid to contact him regarding a new deal, as he wishes to hang up his boots at the Bernabeu.
The report adds that a new round of talks between Modric and president Florentino Perez is scheduled for the coming days, and the midfielder and his family remain settled in the Spanish capital.
Modric supposedly turned down the chance to sign for Saudi Arabian giants Al-Ahli in 2023, rejecting an €80m (£68.2m) contract over two years to continue in the famous white strip.
Modric's illustrious Real Madrid career in numbers
© Imago
Little more can be said about Modric's mastery in the middle of the park, as the Croatian has had a direct hand in 136 goals from 582 appearances for Los Blancos, 43 of his own and 93 assists.
Modric sits ninth on the list of Real Madrid's all-time appearance makers, and the 39-year-old now boasts a staggering 28 major honours with the club, including six Champions League trophies.
No player has collected more pieces of silverware with Real Madrid than Modric, who also has the honour of being Los Blancos' oldest player, oldest goalscorer and oldest assist provider.
Even in the last knockings of his career, Modric still oozes class and professionalism on and off the field, and few should be against handing the legendary midfielder one last extension.
Ben Knapton
