Luka Modrić Extends Milan Contract to 2027, Set for European Return

Croatian national team captain Luka Modrić, 40, has agreed to extend his contract with Italian club AC Milan, committing to the team until June 30, 2027. His annual salary is reported to be around 3.5 million euros, maintaining his earnings from the previous season.

This contract extension means Modrić will once again participate in European competitions after a two-year absence, as AC Milan has secured a direct spot in the Europa League group stage. The article speculates that a potential opponent for Milan in the Europa League could even be Hajduk, Modrić's former club. Barring injuries, Modrić is expected to play around fifty club matches next season, building on his 37 appearances in the Italian league and cup last season.

AC Milan is actively rebuilding its squad under new management. The club has appointed Portuguese coach Ruben Amorim, the third Portuguese manager in two years, following Paulo Fonseca and Sérgio Conceição. The team has also made significant signings, including Portuguese forward Gonçalo Ramos from PSG for 74 million euros (plus bonuses), who signed a contract until 2031. Modrić will now share a locker room with Ramos, whose late goal eliminated Croatia from the World Cup. Additionally, defender Mario Gila was acquired from Lazio for 30 million euros, and the club is reportedly interested in Noussair Mazraoui from Manchester United.

The club is preparing for pre-season matches, including games against city rivals Inter in Perth, Chelsea in Jakarta, and Manchester United in Wroclaw. Milan's Serie A season begins on August 23 against Vlahović's Torino. Modrić's contract extension raises the possibility of him becoming AC Milan's oldest player in history, a distinction he is very likely to achieve.