AC Milan sporting director confirms Modric deal is in the works

AC Milan sporting director Igli Tare has confirmed the club are working on a deal to sign Luka Modric when he leaves Real Madrid.

It was announced in May that Modric would be leaving Madrid after 13 years, when their Club World Cup campaign is over.

The Croatian has made 593 appearances for Madrid in all competitions, scoring 43 goals and registering 95 assists in that time.

Last season, Modric played 2,863 minutes for Madrid, and though his playing time was down, he still created the second-most chances (99), with only Vinicius Junior (101) creating more for Los Blancos.

Milan struggled to find form last season and finished eighth in Serie A, missing out on Champions League football while also losing the Coppa Italia final to Bologna.

And Tare believes a lack of leadership in the squad last term hindered the team, but thinks the addition of Modric could be the solution.

"We analysed [what was missing], and one thing missing last year was clear leadership within the squad," he said.

"I may not know all the dynamics firsthand, but I think the signing of Modric addresses this exactly — he's a hugely influential figure in world football. I spoke to him personally, and he still has a great desire to compete.

"His arrival is key to being a reference point for a team that needs players of that stature. He won't be the only one — we'll add one or two more experienced players who can also serve as leaders for our young talents.

"The first thing he asked was whether the team would be built to win the league. He's a champion coming from Real Madrid, with six Champions League titles.

"I understood that he wants to come here and be a protagonist. He'll be vital in terms of mentality, personality, and leadership.

"And for him, too, it would be great to have a starring season, especially with the World Cup coming up."

There is transfer speculation surrounding some of Milan's key players as well, with rumours circulating that Bayern Munich are interested in Rafael Leao, while Chelsea were interested in Mike Maignan.

Leao scored 12 goals in all competitions, while his 11 assists were a team-high, coming from 9.5 expected assists (xA).

Maignan, meanwhile, played all but two of Milan's matches in 2024-25, keeping 14 clean sheets.

"I think Leao is a real champion — very few players today can decide matches on their own. He's essential to our team and project," Tare said.

"I've had serious talks with him, as has the coach, and I was pleasantly surprised. From the outside, you might think differently, but once you get to know him, you see a very competitive guy.

"He asked questions about how the team will be strengthened. I see him as a key player in our project — he has everything to become a true champion. He's already shown a lot, but I believe he hasn't yet shown his full potential. Offers? We haven't received any yet.

"Maignan is not leaving. He'll be at Milan next season.

"There was interest from a Premier League club, but no agreement was reached. We know Maignan is a reference point, both on and off the pitch. We've decided to count on him and move forward together."