Luka Modric is expected to join AC Milan this summer following the expiration of his Real Madrid contract, with head coach Massimiliano Allegri confirming the Croatian will link up with the club in August, Softfootball can confirm.
Modric, 39, is currently with Madrid at the Club World Cup, where Xabi Alonso’s side faces Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-final on Wednesday. Once the tournament concludes, the veteran midfielder will become a free agent, drawing the curtain on a glittering 13-year career at the Bernabéu.
In a report published by The Athletic, Allegri confirmed during his first press conference ahead of the preseason that Modric will be with the Milan side in August as soon as he finishes the Club World Cup saying:
“We’re waiting for him. He will be here in August. He’s an important and extraordinary player.”
Modric had been identified as a target by Milan, who are looking to add experience and depth to their midfield ahead of the new campaign.
The Croatia international departs Madrid as one of the most decorated players in the club’s history, having lifted 28 trophies, including four La Liga titles and six Champions League crowns.
Modric’s imminent arrival follows Milan’s first major piece of summer business, the signing of Samuele Ricci from Torino. The 22-year-old Italy international has joined to help reshape a midfield unit that lost Tijjani Reijnders to Manchester City earlier this window.
Allegri, who returned to Milan in May after Sergio Conceicao’s departure, provided insight into his midfield options for the 2025-26 season.
“We have Ricci, Modric, (Ruben) Loftus-Cheek who is very important and scored 12 goals two years ago (Youssouf) Fofana, (Warren) Bondo and (Yunus) Musah,”
he said.
“We have excellent players. We’ll definitely play with three in midfield, depending on the characteristics of the individuals, and above all I’ll try to get the best out of them.”
This marks Allegri’s second stint in charge at San Siro, having led the club from 2010 to 2014. He guided Milan to their last Serie A title in 2010-11 and won the Supercoppa Italiana the following season.
The 56-year-old has been out of work since leaving Juventus in May 2024. During two spells in Turin, he collected 12 major trophies, including five Serie A titles, and twice led the club to the Champions League final.
However, Allegri will have more transfers to do, especially in the defence, as Softfootball had earlier reported about the departure of mercurial player Theo Hernandez to Saudi club Al Hilal.
Although Modric’s move to Milan signals another chapter in a distinguished career, the departure of Hernandez will create a vacuum in the centre of defence of the Rossoneri as they compete for the next season.
But with Allegri back at the helm and a reshaped midfield forming, the Rossoneri will hope the Croatian’s arrival can inspire a return to the summit of Italian football.
