Real Madrid are already preparing for life after Luka Modric as the 39-year-old prepares to leave the club this summer.

The Croatian midfielder played his last La Liga game for Real Madrid on Saturday, where they won 2–0 against Real Sociedad at home.

Modrić had become the poster boy for Real Madrid’s policy of offering one-year contract extensions to players aged 30 and above – but that pattern has now ended.

Modric will leave Madrid after the end of their FIFA Club World Cup campaign this summer.

Modric joined Real Madrid in 2012 from Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur.

The 39-year-old has won 28 trophies, including six UEFA Champions Leagues and four domestic titles during his time in Madrid.

Who will replace Luka Modric at Real Madrid?

Real Madrid have identified three main midfielders they want to sign as Luka Modric’s replacement at the Santiago Bernabeu.

However, according to Fichajes, Real Madrid have three options they are considering to replace the one-time Ballon d’Or winner.

According to the report the midfielders are Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez, Liverpool star Alexis Mac Allister and Bayer Leverkusen’s Exequiel Palacios.

Enzo Fernandez current situation

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has dismissed rumors linking Enzo Fernandez to Real Madrid, stating the Argentine midfielder is a key player and will stay at the club. Fernandez has had an impressive season with 20 goal contributions in 44 appearances, showing major improvement from last season. His form has been boosted by the presence of teammates Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo, allowing him more attacking freedom.

Despite interest from Madrid and reports listing him as a target, Maresca made it clear Fernandez is focused and remains central to Chelsea’s plans. With crucial fixtures ahead—including a must-win match against Nottingham Forest for Champions League qualification and a Conference League final versus Real Betis—Fernandez’s performance remains vital to Chelsea’s success.

Is Mac Allister coming?

Spanish outlet MARCA and English-based Empire of the Kop recently reported that Real Madrid have identified Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister as a potential midfield target. The Argentine has caught attention with his performances in the Premier League, prompting speculation about a summer move to the Bernabéu.

However, Mac Allister has been quick to shut down the noise. In an April interview with TyC Sports, the midfielder spoke openly about his life in England and his commitment to Liverpool. He expressed satisfaction with his current role and made it clear he has no plans to leave Anfield anytime soon.

Despite the growing interest from Madrid, Mac Allister’s words have reassured Liverpool fans for now. As the summer transfer window approaches, eyes will be on whether admiration from Spain turns into a concrete bid, or if the Argentine remains the heartbeat of Liverpool’s midfield rebuild.

Is Palacios a good option?

Exequiel Palacios has emerged as a serious candidate to replace Luka Modrić at Real Madrid, with reports from Cadena SER suggesting the club’s interest is becoming increasingly concrete. The Argentine midfielder, currently shining at Bayer Leverkusen, has long been a favorite of Xabi Alonso—his current coach and soon-to-be manager at Real Madrid.

Alonso has openly praised Palacios during their time together in Germany, viewing him as a vital part of Leverkusen’s title-winning midfield. Now, with Alonso set to take the reins at the Bernabéu, the 25-year-old has moved to the top of Madrid’s transfer wish list. A fee of at least €70 million may be required to bring him to La Liga.

However, Real Madrid are not the only suitor. Manchester City are also reportedly interested, which could complicate negotiations. Still, with Alonso’s influence and the player’s proven quality, Palacios may be headed for the Spanish capital as the next piece in Madrid’s midfield evolution.