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Real Madrid chief plays down Luka Modric Saudi Arabia speculation

Real Madrid chief plays down Luka Modric Saudi Arabia speculation
© Reuters
Real Madrid CEO Jose Angel Sanchez plays down speculation linking Luka Modric with a transfer to the Saudi Pro League in January.

Real Madrid CEO Jose Angel Sanchez has suggested that the club intend to keep Luka Modric at the Santiago Bernabeu in January.

Modric has enjoyed a legendary stint with Real, making 498 appearances in all competitions since his arrival in 2012.

As well as 37 goals and 77 assists, a wide array of trophies have been delivered during that period, including three La Liga crowns and five Champions League trophies.

However, there are signs that the 38-year-old is dropping down the pecking order at Los Blancos, a consequence of the recent investment in their midfield.

The veteran has been restricted to four starts and six substitute outings in all competitions, not completing 90 minutes on any occasion.

Manchester City's John Stones in action with Real Madrid's Luka Modric on May 17, 2023© Reuters

Only holding a contract until the end of the season, talk has persisted regarding an eventual transfer away to Real at some point over the next 12 months.

Furthermore, Modric himself has acknowledged that he feels frustrated with his ongoing situation at the Spanish giants, an indication that he may soon contemplate his future.

Nevertheless, Sanchez has hinted that the current plan is for the Croatia international to spend the remainder of 2023-24 in Madrid at the very least.

Speaking to GOAL, Sanchez said: "Modric to Saudi in January? There are no negotiations on the part of Saudi League officials to include Luka in January.

Real Madrid's Luka Modric in action with FC Barcelona's Sergio Busquets on April 5, 2023© Reuters

"We have no plans about his departure from the team at the present time."

If a transfer to the Saudi Pro League became a possibility, it would be to join one of the four clubs that are controlled by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) in Al-Ittihad, Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal or Al-Ahli.

Modric has also been linked with a transfer to MLS in the past, although such interest has quietened in recent months.

Having been restricted to a 23-minute substitute against Sevilla on Saturday, Modric will hope to feature when Real square off against Braga in the Champions League on Tuesday.

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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona13110240122833
2Real Madrid1283125111427
3Atletico MadridAtletico137511971226
4Villarreal127322319424
5Osasuna136341720-321
6Athletic Bilbao135531913620
7Real BetisBetis135531412220
8Real Sociedad135351110118
9Mallorca135351010018
10GironaGirona135351617-118
11Celta Vigo135262022-217
12Rayo Vallecano124441313016
13Sevilla134361218-615
14Leganes133551316-314
15AlavesAlaves134181422-813
16Las PalmasLas Palmas133371622-612
17Getafe13175811-310
18Espanyol123181122-1110
19Real ValladolidValladolid132381025-159
20Valencia11146817-97


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