AC Milan have confirmed that veteran midfielder Luka Modric will join the Italian giants this summer following the end of Real Madrid’s Club World Cup campaign.
The 39-year-old Croatian legend, who announced in May that he would leave Real Madrid after 13 years, will begin a new chapter in Serie A under returning manager Massimiliano Allegri. Speaking at his first press conference since replacing Sergio Conceicao, Allegri was full of praise for Modric.
“Modric will arrive in August,” said the 57-year-old tactician. “He is an extraordinary player.”
Modric has featured primarily as a substitute during Real Madrid’s Club World Cup run in the United States, making five appearances from the bench, including in the recent 3-2 quarter-final win over Borussia Dortmund. Real Madrid are set to face Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals on Wednesday, a match that could mark Modric’s penultimate appearance in the iconic white shirt.
A Ballon d’Or winner in 2018 and regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of his generation, Modric has built a glittering legacy since arriving at Real from Tottenham Hotspur in 2012. Over 13 seasons, he has amassed 28 trophies, including six UEFA Champions League titles and four La Liga crowns.
This move to Milan represents both a major signing for the Rossoneri and a potential final chapter in Modric’s illustrious playing career. Milan, who finished a disappointing eighth in Serie A last season, will look to the veteran’s experience and composure to help rebuild a squad that has seen some key departures in recent weeks.
Midfielder Tijjani Reijnders has joined Premier League champions Manchester City in a high-profile transfer, while left-back Theo Hernandez is reportedly close to sealing a move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal. Despite those exits, Allegri remains optimistic about retaining some of the club’s core talents.
“While Reijnders and Hernandez won’t be part of the team next season, Maignan and Leao seem willing to stay,” said Allegri.
Goalkeeper Mike Maignan, a key figure for both Milan and the French national team, has attracted interest from Chelsea. However, the Premier League club were unwilling to meet Milan’s valuation, believed to be in the region of £25 million. Star winger Rafael Leao, whose pace and creativity were bright spots in an otherwise inconsistent campaign, has also been the subject of transfer speculation but appears set to remain at San Siro.
Allegri’s return to Milan marks a full-circle moment for the Italian manager, who led the club to their last Serie A title in 2011 during his first spell in charge. Tasked now with restoring Milan’s domestic and European standing, Allegri will hope the addition of Modric adds leadership and quality to a team in transition.
The Rossoneri will kick off their 2025–26 Serie A season against newly promoted Cremonese on 23 August. Until then, fans will be eagerly awaiting Modric’s arrival, hopeful that the Croatian maestro can bring a touch of magic to a midfield in need of inspiration.
For Modric, the move represents both a new challenge and a graceful exit from the club where he became a legend. As Real Madrid prepare for their next Club World Cup clash, their supporters will savor every remaining minute of his elegant presence on the pitch — before he trades Madrid white for Milan red and black.
