A player from Real Madrid on the field with a coach in the background in a lit-up stadium.
FIRST TEAM

The 3 stars who can take Modric's place at Real Madrid

Wirtz, Reijnders, and Stiller, the three chosen by Xabi Alonso to inherit Modric's position at Real Madrid

Luka Modric's farewell marks the end of an era at Real Madrid. After 13 years, the Croatian will put an end to his time at the club. He leaves with six Champions League titles in his record and an indelible mark on the club's history.

At 40 years old, Modric wanted to continue. But the decision is already made. His departure leaves a significant void, and now, Real Madrid is working to find his replacement.

Xabi Alonso, set to be the next manager, has already made his requests. There are three names on the table.

Florian Wirtz, the great desired

The favorite for the bench is Xabi Alonso, and one of the players he admires most is Florian Wirtz. He knows him very well from his time at Bayer Leverkusen.

Wirtz is young, talented, and with a unique vision of the game. It would be an exciting signing, although also very complicated. Bayern Munich is in the race and has the advantage.

Two men pose together, one with a dark sweater and the other with a Bayer Leverkusen sports jacket.
Xabi Alonso and Wirtz | Real Madrid Confidencial

Tijjani Reijnders, Milan's engine

Another name that is very appealing is Tijjani Reijnders. The Dutchman has excelled this season at AC Milan. He has proven that he can lead a high-level midfield.

However, Manchester City has already started talks to sign him. Competing with the English will not be easy.

A player in a red and black uniform runs with the ball on a playing field.
Tijjani Reijnders with Milan | Getty

Angelo Stiller, the favorite underdog

Given the difficulty of the other two, the name gaining strength in Valdebebas is Angelo Stiller. The German has left a great impression in the Bundesliga and would fit well in the team's scheme.

Additionally, he has something in his favor: Xabi Alonso knows him perfectly. They coincided in Germany, and the Basque coach sees in him an ideal profile to organize the game.

A player in a white and red uniform on the field during a match.
Angelo Stiller | Getty Images

Real Madrid is now focused on finalizing the signing of Álvaro Carreras. But once that is solved, the focus will be on the midfield.

With Modric out, a new brain is needed. Wirtz, Reijnders, and Stiller are the three options. For now, Stiller seems the best positioned.

The Modric operation already has replacements on the radar. The generational change is underway.

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