Modric, 40, signs new AC Milan deal: The last dance?

AC Milan’s decision to extend Luka Modric’s contract by a year is less a vote of confidence in the present than a pragmatic nod to the future. At 40—turning 41 in September—the Croatian midfielder will return for a second season in Rossoneri colours, having arrived on a one-year deal from Real Madrid last summer. His 37 appearances yielded two goals as Milan finished fifth in Serie A and exited the Coppa Italia in the last 16, a campaign that fell short of expectations. Yet in a squad still finding its feet under new manager Ruben Amorim, Modric’s experience remains a currency Milan cannot yet afford to devalue.

Why Milan needed Modric—and why his future is uncertain

Milan’s statement framed Modric as “one of the finest and most iconic players in world football,” a description that doubles as an acknowledgment of necessity. His arrival last summer was a calculated risk: a player of his pedigree—six Champions League titles, four La Liga crowns, 160 appearances for Tottenham, and a Ballon d’Or in 2018—could steady a midfield in transition. Yet his 2023-24 numbers tell a story of diminishing returns. Two goals in 37 games, a fifth-place finish, and a Europa League exit in the last 16 do not match the standards set by his Real Madrid peak. The question now is whether his presence is a bridge to a younger squad or a temporary salve for a project still searching for direction.

Amorim’s appointment in June marked a clear break from Massimiliano Allegri’s conservative tenure, and the Portuguese coach’s arrival signals a shift toward a more progressive style. Amorim’s rise at Sporting CP and his brief, underwhelming spell at Manchester United have made him a polarising figure in Serie A, but his mandate is clear: rebuild with energy and verticality. Modric, for all his class, embodies the opposite—precision over pace, experience over athleticism. His role may shrink further next season, confined to cameo appearances or tactical tweaks rather than the engine of a high-pressing system.

The man behind the headlines: Modric’s legacy and his next act

Modric’s statement was effusive but revealing: “I am thrilled to stay at AC Milan, where you made me feel welcomed and loved from the very first day.” The warmth underscores how quickly he integrated into a dressing room that had just endured a turbulent season. Yet his words also betray a hunger to prove himself again—a player who, after 13 years at Real Madrid, is now chasing validation in Serie A. His World Cup exit with Croatia in the last 32, despite captaining the side since 2016, adds another layer of urgency. Since taking the armband, he has steered his nation to a World Cup final and a third-place finish, but time is running out to add another chapter to his international story.

At club level, his contract extension is a gamble on continuity. Milan’s fifth-place finish last term secured a Europa League spot, but the gap to the top four remains stubbornly wide. The club’s rebuild is still in its infancy, and Modric’s presence offers a safety net—one that Amorim may choose to phase out as younger legs like Tomori, Reijnders, and Adli are given greater responsibility. His role could become increasingly symbolic: a living link to Milan’s 2022 Scudetto, a reminder of what the club once was under a different regime.

Tactical fit: A square peg in a rebuilding puzzle

Amorim’s system demands midfielders who can cover ground, press aggressively, and transition quickly. Modric, by contrast, thrives in controlled, possession-heavy phases—a metronome rather than a dynamo. His strengths lie in his reading of the game, his ability to dictate tempo, and his unerring passing under pressure. Yet these qualities are less prized in a league where directness and intensity are increasingly rewarded. Milan’s recruitment this summer suggests a pivot toward athleticism: links to Inter Milan’s target Mac Allister Jones and Spurs’ Emerson highlight a desire for steel in midfield. Modric’s contract extension is not an endorsement of his fitness for the long haul; it’s an acknowledgment that Milan cannot yet afford to go without him.

His future beyond 2025 will hinge on two factors: his own desire to continue, and Amorim’s willingness to accommodate him. If Milan secure Champions League football next season, the club may opt to refresh the squad with younger options. If they falter, Modric’s leadership could become even more critical. Either way, his next campaign is likely to be his last—a final dance in a career that has spanned four clubs, two World Cup finals, and a golden era at Real Madrid. Milan’s decision to extend his deal is not a celebration of his twilight years; it’s a recognition that even legends must eventually make way for the next generation.

For now, Modric remains. But the clock is ticking—not just on his body, but on the project he has joined. Milan’s rebuild is underway, and the Croatian’s role in it is already written in pencil, not pen.