Luka Modric to AC Milan: Tare confirms bid for iconic maestro

AC Milan is making a bold statement in the transfer market, with Sporting Director Igli Tare confirming that the club is actively pursuing a deal to bring midfield maestro Luka Modric to San Siro. The Croatian legend is set to leave Real Madrid after a glittering 13-year tenure once their Club World Cup campaign concludes in May.

Modric's departure from the Spanish giants marks the end of an era during which he made 593 appearances, netting 43 goals and providing 95 assists across all competitions. Even in his most recent season, where his playing time saw a slight decrease, Modric remained a creative force, generating the second-most chances (99) for Los Blancos, trailing only Vinicius Junior (101).

Milan's interest in Modric stems from a challenging past season where they finished a disappointing eighth in Serie A, missing out on Champions League football and losing the Coppa Italia final. Tare believes a palpable lack of leadership within the squad was a significant hindrance, and he sees Modric as the unequivocal solution.

"We analyzed [what was missing], and one thing missing last year was clear leadership within the squad," Tare stated. "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."

Tare emphasized the strategic importance of Modric's arrival, not just for his on-field contributions but for his intangible qualities. "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."

'He is a champion'

Modric's championship mindset is clearly evident in his demands. "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," Tare revealed. "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."

Despite the focus on new arrivals, AC Milan is also battling to retain key figures amidst transfer speculation. Rumors have linked Bayern Munich with Rafael Leão, while Chelsea reportedly showed interest in goalkeeper Mike Maignan. Leão was a vital attacking threat last season, scoring 12 goals and providing a team-high 11 assists from 9.5 expected assists (xA). Maignan, meanwhile, was an ever-present figure, keeping 14 clean sheets in all but two of Milan's matches in 2024-25.

Tare was emphatic about the club's stance on these players. "I think Leão is a real champion — very few players today can decide matches on their own. He's essential to our team and project," he affirmed. Tare also detailed recent conversations with Leão: "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'

Regarding Maignan, Tare was equally clear: "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."

Milan's aggressive pursuit of Modric, combined with their determined efforts to retain core players, signals a clear intent to address past shortcomings and build a squad capable of challenging for top honors in the upcoming season.