MADRID, SPAIN - DECEMBER 09: Luka Modric of Real Madrid looks on during the UEFA Champions League Group B stage match between Real Madrid and Borussia Moenchengladbach at Estadio Alfredo di Stefano on December 09, 2020 in Madrid, Spain. Sporting stadiums around Spain remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
According to El Chiringuito de Jugones (h/t The Sun), Tottenham could make a shock swoop for former ace Luka Modric. The Blancos superstar’s contract is set to expire this season and Jose Mourinho is interested in signing him for free next season. It has been reported that Mourinho is already in talks regarding this transfer.
Luka Modric has come a long way from the unknown commodity who arrived at Spurs to an all conquering Galactico at Real Madrid. The Croatian can say that he has been one of the finest midfielders of his generation with his contributions to Real Madrid’s four continental triumphs.
In 2018, he was rewarded handsomely for his services as he won the Balon d’Or, breaking a ten-year duopoly of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. That season, he gave it all for club as well as country. He was a huge part of the Croatia side that went all the way to the finals and lost out to France.
However, age slowly seems to be catching up to the veteran Croatian. His influence on the Real Madrid team is slowly waning and even the club are feeling the pinch. This should be more than enough reason for Spurs to avoid a move for their former player.
They are yet to see the best of Bale so far on his return from Real. He has found it very hard to get back his stride and only time will tell if he can. Modric will be 36 come the start of the season. The Premier League is a very physically demanding league. Not a lot of players over 35 can cut it at that level.
Bringing back Modric and that too on a free transfer, sounds too good a chance to pass up. However, that could be a huge gamble for Spurs and Mourinho, who are building a new look side that can challenge for trophies.
They have young and established players with a lot of potential who are slowly starting to make a mark. The midfield is already crowded with the likes of Hojbjerg, Lo Celso, Sissoko, Ndombele, Alli and Winks.
Adding Modric to the side, despite his experience and success, still does not make sense. Jose Mourinho may be keen on reuniting with his former player but this move might just be too much of a risk at this point.