Real Madrid has already identified an ideal successor for Luka Modric following the announcement of his departure from the club after 13 seasons filled with trophies.
Modric transferred to Real from Spurs in 2012 and has since established himself as one of Los Blancos’ most accomplished and legendary players, having won a total of 28 trophies.
At the age of 39, he signed a one-year contract extension last summer, and there were discussions about him potentially reaching a similar agreement to continue under the management of his former teammate Xabi Alonso in the upcoming season.
However, the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner will play his final game at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday and depart after the Club World Cup in the United States.
“I arrived in 2012 with the hope of wearing the jersey of the best team in the world and the ambition to do great things, but I couldn’t have imagined what came next,” Modric said in a statement.
“Playing for Real Madrid changed my life as a footballer and as a person.
“I’m proud to have been part of one of the most successful eras of the best club in history.”
Having failed to retain La Liga and the Champions League Real are wasting no time in rebuilding their squad – with a £50 million deal for Dean Huijsen confirmed and Trent Alexander-Arnold set to join on a free transfer.