Milan Nel Cuore
The question keeping Rossoneri fans awake right now has nothing to do with the league table or the summer transfer window: it concerns a 40-year-old man wearing the number 14 shirt. Will Luka Modric renew his contract with AC Milan? The answer will come in the next few weeks, before the Croatian midfielder departs for the World Cup with his national team. In the meantime, between directors' reassurances, dressing-room lobbying and the irresistible lure of the Champions League, Milan are holding their breath.
The contract details: the Champions League clause
The contractual picture is clear. Modric signed with AC Milan on 14 July 2025, agreeing a deal until 30 June 2026 worth a net salary of 3.5 million euros per season. The contract includes an option for an automatic extension until 30 June 2027, but there is a gentleman's agreement between club and player: the final decision rests solely with Modric.
The option comes with a significant pay rise: his salary would increase to approximately 4.5 million euros net if Milan qualify for the next Champions League. An incentive that ties the Croatian's fate to the team's results on the pitch. With Milan currently in second place in Serie A, six points behind leaders Inter and with eight matchdays still to play, qualification for Europe's premier competition is a realistic target.
The contract
Current expiry: 30 June 2026. Option: extension until 30 June 2027. Current salary: 3.5 million net. Salary with renewal + Champions League: ~4.5 million net. The decision is Modric's alone.
The Champions League: an irresistible temptation
It is precisely the Champions League that could prove the decisive factor. According to Fabrizio Romano, the prospect of playing in the Champions League in the Rossoneri shirt is "the strongest temptation" Modric is facing right now. The Croatian has won the competition six times with Real Madrid, but dreams of experiencing it as a protagonist with Milan, the club that welcomed him with an affection he himself has described as "indescribable".
The charm offensive is total: Allegri, the directors and even his teammates are all trying to convince Modric to stay. The Champions League is not merely a trophy to chase: for the Croatian it is the stage where he built his legend. The idea of gracing those pitches in the number 14 Rossoneri shirt represents a motivation that goes beyond contracts and salaries.
It is no coincidence that Modric himself, speaking about his experience in Milan, told Eurosport: "My secret? I still enjoy it. Allegri surprised me: he has a great ability to create a connection with the dressing room, he helps you give your best and keeps you calm". Words that sound like an encouraging signal for anyone hoping for a renewal.
The whole club is pushing: from Allegri to Ibrahimovic
Manager Massimiliano Allegri has never hidden Modric's importance to his tactical and human project. In his press conference before the derby, Allegri named the Croatian as one of three leaders around whom to build the team's future, alongside Rabiot and Tomori. After the 3-2 win over Torino, the manager returned to the subject: "The decision is his. What I can say is that seeing a 40-year-old man with such passion for what he does is incredible. Luka creates enthusiasm and brings positivity to the environment".
The board are united. Sporting director Igli Tare publicly confirmed the renewal offer and added: "Luka loves Milan. We are confident". Zlatan Ibrahimovic, in his role as senior advisor, also weighed in: "Allegri and Modric know what it means to be at Milan". A united front determined to keep the Ballon d'Or winner for at least one more season.
It is not just a tactical matter. Modric serves as a vice-coach on the pitch: Allegri frequently communicates with him from the bench for tactical adjustments, and the Croatian translates the manager's instructions into movement and rhythm for the team. In the dressing room he is an absolute reference point, capable of holding together a squad that risked imploding during the Leao-Pulisic crisis.
The derby that changed everything
The key moment in this silent negotiation came on 8 March 2026, in the Derby della Madonnina. Milan beat Inter 1-0 thanks to Estupinan's goal and Modric commanded the midfield for 90 minutes with a masterclass performance. The Gazzetta dello Sport named him "the cerebral heart of the derby": first for touches, first for successful passes, first for ball recoveries in midfield.
After the final whistle, Modric received a standing ovation not only from the fans in the stands but also from his teammates and the board in the dressing room. A gesture that moved the Croatian deeply and which, according to those close to the player, weighed more than any financial offer in the renewal equation.
The World Cup factor: Luka's deadline
There is another element weighing in the balance: the 2026 World Cup. Croatia have qualified for the finals to be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada this summer. For Modric it will be his fifth World Cup appearance — a record for a European midfielder — following the 2006, 2014, 2018 (final lost to France) and 2022 (third place in Qatar) editions.
As captain of his national team, the Croatian will lead the squad in what could be his last major international tournament. And the decision timeline is tied directly to the World Cup: Modric will communicate his choice before departing for the Croatian training camp. Milan hope that the prospect of returning to Milanello after the tournament to prepare for a Champions League campaign will be too powerful a call to ignore.
After Croatia's World Cup qualification, Modric declared: "We are happy and proud. It will be wonderful". It will be exactly 20 years since his World Cup debut in Germany 2006: a circle that could close in the most spectacular way possible, with the Croatia shirt at the World Cup and the Milan shirt in the Champions League.
Two scenarios, one desire
If Modric activates the option, Milan secure for another season the most influential midfielder in the squad, a recognised leader in the dressing room and a champion who has already proven, as chronicled in our feature on his second youth in Rossoneri colours, that he can compete at the highest level despite his age. The 4.5 million net salary would be amply justified by his technical and charismatic importance.
If the Croatian decides not to renew, Milan would lose not just a player but a symbol of this season. The Ballon d'Or donated to the Museo Mondo Milan would remain as an eternal testament to his time at the club, but the dressing room would lose an irreplaceable leader. In this scenario, the options of retirement from professional football after the World Cup or one final chapter in a less demanding league would come into play.
But those who know Modric understand that the competitor within him is not done yet. On the cusp of 41, he remains Milan's most-used outfield player, leads Serie A in completed passes and is the beating heart of a squad fighting for Champions League qualification. All the signs point in one direction. Only the confirmation is missing.
The future of Luka Modric is the most emotionally charged question of the Rossoneri spring. A Ballon d'Or in the museum, a standing ovation in the derby, an entire fanbase at his feet and the Champions League as the ultimate temptation. The World Cup is the deadline, Milan is the home waiting for him. In the coming weeks the number 14 will give his answer. Whatever it may be, this season will remain forever in the memory of everyone who loves the red and black colours.
Forza Milan, sempre.