More than one Real Madrid player can leave on a free transfer next summer.
New year, new Madrid? For Vallejo, 2024 marks a turning point: his time at Madrid will last just six months. For Modrić and Lucas Vázquez it could also be a time of change – or maybe not.
Their future depends on several variables. By the time the calendar turns the last page, their contracts will expire, with June 30 as a possible cutoff.
Whether it is a definitive end in LaLiga or not remains uncertain – a scenario that both the Croatian and Galician players are familiar with, having faced similar circumstances a year ago. Then it all ended with a signature. With Mendy's contract already sealed (although not yet announced), the spotlight turns to Lucas and Luka, Madrid's remaining renewal puzzles.
Only Valverde surpasses Modrić in matches played in 2024
Luka Modrić turns 39 this year and enters the twilight of his career with a reduced role on the pitch but an unrivaled legacy as Madrid's most decorated player, with 28 titles.
Recently, Dani Ceballos has started to overshadow Modrić in importance. The numbers tell the story: in Madrid's last nine games, Ceballos started five and played 495 minutes, compared to Modrić's three starts and 334 minutes. It is a symbolic changing of the guard.
And yet Modrić remains indispensable. He played in all 26 games this season, proving his resilience and continued fitness. While his playing time has become more sporadic, his impact remains undeniable.
In 2024, only Valverde, with 68 appearances in all competitions, surpasses Modrić's 67 appearances. At almost 40 years of age, he remains one of the top performers in the major European leagues – a testament to his remarkable longevity.
'Nobody has to put pressure on me'
“No one needs to put pressure on me,” Modrić recently said about his future. As in recent years, his continuity will depend on his own decision. He must weigh his current role, his feelings and Madrid's plans, which include scouting a new midfielder this summer. Whether he continues to play or retires will ultimately be his decision.
Madrid have made it clear that they will not stand in his way – whether it means extending his stay or facilitating his departure. Offers will not be lacking, as evidenced by the 200 million euro proposal from Saudi Arabia that he previously rejected. Modrić summed it up best: “At my age you can't overthink things. I take it game by game. As long as I'm having fun on the field, I'll continue. When the enthusiasm fades, I stop. No one has to put pressure on me.”
Lucas Vázquez: a reliable veteran
Lucas Vázquez faces a slightly different, but equally uncertain future. At 33 years old, he is playing a crucial role this season, especially after Carvajal's injury, making him the team's only natural right-back. Alternatives, such as converting Valverde or Asencio, remain improvised solutions.
Lucas has already logged 1,230 minutes this season, up from the 1,872 minutes he played last season – with more than half of the season still to come.
After one of his best seasons (three goals and nine assists), he continues to demonstrate his attacking prowess, even if he occasionally struggles defensively against fast, physical wingers. However, Ancelotti has full confidence in him.
As with Modrić, Madrid will not stand in the way of Lucas' potential extension. The two sides reached an agreement last season without any problems and the club considers him a reliable backup for Carvajal (who is under contract until 2026). Moreover, Lucas is a key figure in the dressing room, bridging generations and maintaining harmony.
However, Lucas' position is complicated by Madrid's reported interest in Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold. If the Englishman joins, Lucas would likely be relegated to a secondary role. His future, like Modrić's, depends on balance: Madrid leaves the decision in his hands.
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