Luka Modrić and Sergio Ramos (foto: Fabrizio Romano)
With Luka Modrić's contract at Real Madrid set to expire, Sergio Ramos has hinted that the Croatian midfielder could make a surprise move to Monterrey.
Luka Modrić has entered the final six months of his contract with Real Madrid, and his future remains uncertain. While the Croatian legend wants to stay at the club, president Florentino Pérez has yet to offer him a new deal, likely waiting until the end of the season, as has been the case in previous years.
At 39 years old, Modrić continues to perform at a high level and has set his sights on leading Croatia to the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Interestingly, his next club could also be in North America.
Sergio Ramos calls for Modrić to join him at Monterrey
On Monday, Sergio Ramos was officially unveiled as a new player for Monterrey, and during his presentation, he sent a clear message to the club’s owners about a potential reinforcement.
When asked which former teammate he would like to see at Monterrey, Ramos did not hesitate: "Modrić would be a top reinforcement for next season."
Mexican media immediately picked up on the statement, speculating that Monterrey could be a serious destination for Modrić. The key reasons include his contract situation, as he is free to negotiate with any club since January, and the club’s strong financial backing.
Monterrey’s financial strength and Club World Cup ambitions
Modrić currently earns a net salary of €5 million at Real Madrid, a figure that FEMSA—the multinational company that owns Monterrey—could comfortably match. For comparison, Ramos has signed a deal worth €4 million per year plus performance-based bonuses.
Another reason Modrić could be tempted by Monterrey is their participation in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup from June 14 to July 13. They are set to face Inter Milan, Urawa Red Diamonds, and River Plate in the tournament, and the club will be eager to strengthen its squad.
However, FIFA regulations state that players whose contracts expire on June 30, as is the case with Modrić, will not be eligible to play unless they extend their deals in time. To address this, FIFA has introduced an extraordinary transfer window from June 1 to June 10 for Club World Cup participants, allowing them to make key signings before the tournament.
This means that Real Madrid will have to decide on Modrić’s future sooner than in previous years, as other clubs will not wait around to make their moves. If Pérez does not act fast, Monterrey could capitalize on the opportunity and secure one of the greatest midfielders of all time.