Contract Countdown: Real Madrid’s Aging Players Facing Uncertain Future

New Year New Life. Or not. At Real Madrid, up to four players can apply the saying. Luka Modric (38 years old), Toni Kroos (33), Nacho (33) and Lucas Vázquez (32), in addition to the loaned Joselu (33) and Kepa (29), enter the countdown. On June 30, 2024, his contracts with the white team expire and January 1 is the deadline for final decisions.

Modric, Kroos and Nacho have already experienced the same situation last season. Courtesy of the club’s policy with those in their thirties of extending the contract year by year. Not so for Lucas who did it in 2021 for three seasons that now expire. On the eve of the duel against Union, Curtis did not hesitate. “Would he renew with Madrid today? Yes of course. Madrid is my dream since I was little, my home, where I feel best.” Crystalline. If it depends on Lucas, the signature would be the best gift from Kings. Even with a complicated role, that of a replacement for a supreme Carvajal, which does not bother him and to which he has adapted with integrity: “When you don’t enjoy minutes you have a bad time. In those moments you have to have a cool head. “I don’t lack confidence.” He has demonstrated it in Carva’s absence, as in his wonderful game against Villarreal: he shone in stewardship tasks, but above all in a hostile land. He assisted Rodrygo at 2-0 and converted the right into his own highway. And the zenith was the miraculous of both of him to Alavés. The best way to shout out for renewal. The next step, listen to the club.

Lucas was the hero against Alavés.JESUS ​​ALVAREZ ORIHUELADiarioAS

Something not so simple in the three upcoming cases. Starting with Modric, who lives in a context with edges. At 38 years old, Luka decides. As he did last season, where he preferred to continue expanding his white legacy rather than succumb to the Saudi millions (he turned down 200 in three years from Al Hilal). Now, the opportunities for Luka are being more Guadianesque than ever. The strength of the new blood, together with the initial overcrowding (the injuries have been opening cracks) in the engine room, have reduced its preponderance. With 1,022 minutes, he is Carletto’s twelfth most used player. An anomalous situation for the Croatian that will make him manage the times calmly. He will not lack proposals. Neither from Arabia nor from the MLS. “I live in the present, we will see what happens in the future,” he said at the AS Gala. A message that hides a reality, starting January 1 it will be time to think. A lot.

Kroos doesn’t understand transitions

Also in the case of Kroos, more particular if possible since it is the German’s feelings and concerns that will set the pace. It happened in 2023 and it will happen in 2024. If it is his performance that tips the balance, Real Madrid fans can breathe easy. Also if he depends on the club or Ancelotti, who encourage him to renew. When the course dawned it seemed that the gala eleven would be drawn without Greifswald’s. Entering work, Toni is having an excellent campaign, as an indisputable piece that balances the vigorous physique of the Camavinga, Tchouameni or Valverde when there is no physical mishap and also if there is an absence as part of a more than solvent double pivot with the Halcón as a squire The sweet transition does not happen through Kroos. And that may be his best impulse to extend his relationship another year. He has always stated that his plan is not to touch 40 on the green, but at 33, his football tank is far from dry.

Nacho’s doubt

While Nacho already hesitated a few months ago and the situation has not changed. With Militao, Alaba and Rüdiger healthy, the youth player is the fourth center back. But he always ends up putting out fires. This season is the latest example, where he has emerged as the solution to the plague of injuries with impeccable performance. The crux will be in his feelings for 2024-25. The club is already looking at other centre-backs such as Gonçalo Inácio (22 years old, Sporting de Portugal) or Robert Renan (20 years old, Zenit) and already made the decision as quick as possible at the end of last year. Retiring as One Club Man is tempting, but also having one last experience before hanging up your boots. His choice will not be governed by economics, he never has been, but the factor of continuity and regularity in terms of opportunities will be decisive. With the future more than assured with the long-term contracts of the Bellinghams, Vinicius, Rodrygo, Camavinga, Valverde and company, Madrid enters a key territory to give the final touches to the present.

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2023-12-25 08:41:28
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