Luka Modrić’s career at Real Madrid has been nothing short of extraordinary. Since arriving at the Santiago Bernabéu in 2012, the Croatian maestro has cemented his place as one of the greatest midfielders in football history. With his vision, passing range, and an unparalleled ability to control the tempo of a game, Modrić has been the heartbeat of Madrid's midfield during one of their most successful eras. From winning five Champions League titles to receiving the 2018 Ballon d’Or, his achievements speak volumes.
However, even legends cannot escape the ticking clock. At 38 years old, Modrić is entering the twilight of his career, and while his brilliance remains evident in flashes, Madrid knows they need to start planning for his successor. But replacing a player of Modrić’s caliber is no easy task. This blog will explore what makes him irreplaceable, the qualities Real Madrid should look for in his replacement, and whether the club should focus on signing an established name or developing talent.
What Real Madrid Will Miss Without Modrić
To understand how difficult it will be to replace Modrić, we first need to examine what he brings to the table.
Tactical Intelligence and Game Control
Modrić’s ability to read the game is second to none. His understanding of when to speed up or slow down the tempo of a match has been essential to Madrid's control in high-pressure games. From orchestrating midfield battles to perfectly transitioning defense into attack, his tactical awareness enables flexibility in Madrid’s gameplay across various systems.
Leadership and Experience
Modrić isn’t just a technical genius; he’s a leader on and off the pitch. Whether rallying the team during tough moments or mentoring younger players like Eduardo Camavinga, his influence is invaluable in ensuring the locker room stays motivated and unified. Losing this leadership will leave a significant void.
Vision and Passing Range
Few players in modern football can match Modrić’s ability to pick out a pass. Whether it’s a piercing through ball, a pinpoint crossfield switch, or a clever one-two in tight spaces, his range of passing has unlocked countless defenses. This vision has made him indispensable in unlocking Madrid's prolific attack.
If Madrid hopes to maintain their dominance, they must find a player who can replicate—not necessarily replace entirely—these unique attributes.
The Ideal Replacement Profile
The question “How do you replace Modrić?” should really be rephrased as “What does Real Madrid need in a post-Modrić world?” Here's the ideal profile Madrid should prioritize:
Age
Madrid must find a replacement young enough to build around for years while being experienced enough to handle the pressure at the Bernabéu. Think 22-25 years old.
Skillset
The player needs a strong combination of passing range, composure under pressure, ball progression, and the versatility to contribute both offensively and defensively.
Experience at a High Level
Modrić thrived at Madrid because he came with experience at the highest level. Whoever replaces him must have Champions League and top-flight experience.
Work Ethic and Adaptability
Madrid and their fans demand relentless work ethics. The ideal replacement must show willingness to continually adjust and evolve their game.
Now that we’ve outlined the ideal traits, let's evaluate potential candidates.
Top Candidates to Replace Luka Modrić
Nicolò Barella (Inter Milan)
Barella has become one of Serie A’s top midfielders, combining dynamism, creativity, and grit. His ability to break lines with his dribbling, paired with his tireless work rate, makes him an excellent fit for Madrid. At 26 years old in 2025, he will hit his prime, bringing the perfect blend of experience and youth.
Pros:
Creative passer and capable ball carrier.
Proven Champions League performer.
High work rate and tactical discipline.
Cons:
Prone to disciplinary issues in high-stakes matches.
Expensive—with a price tag likely exceeding €80M.
Jude Bellingham in a Deeper Role
Although Jude Bellingham has thrived in a more attacking role since joining Madrid, he has the potential to adjust to play deeper in midfield. His vision, composure on the ball, and physical dominance make him an ideal candidate to inherit Modrić’s role.
Pros:
Already integrated into Madrid’s squad.
Extraordinary ceiling for growth.
Provides a mix of youth, athleticism, and leadership.
Cons:
Moving Bellingham deeper may reduce his attacking output.
Eduardo Camavinga or Fede Valverde (Internal Promotion)
Promoting solutions from within is always a viable option for big clubs like Madrid. Camavinga, despite his temporary stints as a left-back, has shown midfield potential akin to Modrić. Similarly, Valverde offers high energy, impeccable versatility, and late-game heroics.
Pros:
Familiarity with Madrid’s style and philosophy.
Cost-effective solution.
Allows Madrid to invest in other areas.
Cons:
Both lack Modrić’s level of finesse.
Might require significant development time and patience.
Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal)
One of Madrid’s former prospects, Ødegaard, has blossomed into a world-class playmaker at Arsenal. Reuniting with him in 2025 would bring back a technically gifted, creative leader with tactical intelligence.
Pros:
Proven success as a captain and playmaker.
Familiarity with Madrid’s expectations.
Creative edge and leadership skills.
Cons:
Difficult to pry from Arsenal, where he’s key.
Cost could surpass €100M.
Navigating the Transfer Market Realities in 2025
Replacing Modrić is not just about choosing the right player; it’s also about navigating the chaotic transfer market. Inter Milan will likely demand a considerable sum for Barella, while Arsenal will do their utmost to retain Ødegaard. Players like Bellingham, Camavinga, and Valverde would save Madrid millions, but it’s a gamble on untapped potential.
Real Madrid has often shown a willingness to invest in the best talents, but they may need to consider creative solutions, such as staggered payments or including incentives to secure their target.
Short-Term vs. Long-Term Options
Should Madrid go all-in on an immediate superstar or focus on slowly developing their own players? Developing internal talents like Camavinga or Valverde ensures team cohesion and continuity. However, Madrid is under constant pressure to compete for trophies, meaning a “win-now” acquisition like Barella or Ødegaard might better suit their ambitions.
Perhaps the best solution lies in combining both approaches. Investing in a marquee signing while nurturing young talents allows Madrid to secure the present without jeopardizing the future.
Balancing Legacy and Evolution
Replacing Luka Modrić is no small task, but it’s one Madrid must tackle to ensure their midfield legacy endures. The ideal successor must not only replicate his qualities but also align with the club’s evolving style of play. Whether the solution lies in a transfer market coup, an internal academy gem, or a hybrid strategy, Real Madrid must move swiftly and wisely.
Who do you think should replace Modrić? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to stay tuned for all the latest transfer updates.
