Modric leaning towards staying at Milan after 2026 World Cup elimination
Quick summary
Luka Modric is reportedly leaning towards extending his stay at AC Milan following Croatia's elimination from the 2026 World Cup.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceSaturday’s reports claim that 40-year-old Luka Modric is leaning towards a decision to stay on with Milan for the 2026-27 season despite the team’s failure to qualify for this coming season’s Champions League.
What next for Modric after World Cup elimination with Croatia? Modric is technically a free agent after seeing his one-year contract with Milan expire on June 30. The former Ballon d’Or winner had joined the Rossoneri on a one-year deal with an option to extend for a further 12 months, an option which has since expired.
There had been major doubts about Modric’s future following the team’s disappointing fifth-place finish at the end of the 2025-26 campaign, which ultimately led to the departures of head coach Massimiliano Allegri, sporting director Igli Tare, technical director Geoffrey Moncada and CEO Giorgio Furlani.
There had been suggestions that Modric, along with several other big-name Rossoneri stars could leave the club during the summer transfer window, with reports of a coaching or directorship role at Real Madrid on offer for the Croatian.
However, according to Saturday’s reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport , there is an increasing possibility that Modric decides to extend his stay in Milan for another season.
PISA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 13: Luka Modrdic of AC Milan celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and AC Milan at Arena Garibaldi on February 13, 2026 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images) A definitive decision has not yet been made either way, but Milan are keen to keep the legendary midfielder on board. Modric is said to have enjoyed his time in San Siro in 2025-26 despite the unfortunate end to the season and an additional convincing factor is his daughter, who is reportedly enjoying her time representing the Milan U13s.
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What happened
Luka Modric, who joined AC Milan in the summer of 2025, appears increasingly likely to remain at the club beyond his initial contract. The 2026 World Cup elimination has factored into his decision-making, suggesting he is keen to extend his playing career at San Siro. The Croatian veteran's experience and leadership have been valued by Milan, and both parties are open to continuing the relationship.
Chance analysis
If confirmed, Modric's continued presence would provide Milan with a high-caliber creative midfielder and dressing room leader beyond the World Cup cycle. His decision to stay rather than seek a final move elsewhere suggests he sees Milan as a competitive project. For prediction systems, this stabilizes Milan's midfield depth and reduces uncertainty around a key veteran presence.
Milan retain an experienced playmaker and leader; Modric's career path gains clarity with continued top-level football in Serie A.
Modric staying at Milan reinforces their midfield stability and reduces a potential summer vacancy in their squad planning.