Luka Modric’s future remains open as AC Milan close in on appointing Oliver Glasner as their new head coach and Ralf Rangnick as the club’s new sporting director, according to reports in Italy. Gerry Cardinale, Milan’s owner, is expected to make a final decision imminently, with tomorrow cited as a key date.
Modric has already received an offer from Real Madrid president Florentino Perez to return to the Spanish capital in a directorial or staff role, a proposal that has become more concrete following Perez’s recent re-election. However, the Croatian midfielder, who will feature in a friendly against England on June 17th in Arlington, Texas, has yet to make a decision about his future. He is weighing whether to retire and take up the role in Madrid, or continue playing for another year.
This uncertainty opens a potential, albeit small, window for a return to Milan. However, any move would depend on the new management team – Glasner and Rangnick – being convinced of Modric’s value and actively pursuing him. Reports suggest Cardinale is leaning towards the Rangnick-Glasner pairing, a decision that goes against advice from advisor Ibrahimovic.
Oliver Glasner, speaking after a tennis match in Austria, stated he is waiting for a clear project before committing to a new club. “It’s very nice that, since I announced the end of my contract with Crystal Palace, the media have linked me with almost all clubs,” he said. “I have never commented on these rumours and I don’t want to do so now. When the time comes, I will announce it. And to finally be ready for a new club, everything must be perfect.”
Josef Pröll, president of the Austrian Football Federation, has also expressed hope of retaining Rangnick as the national team manager, stating he is optimistic Rangnick will choose to stay with Austria. However, Cardinale’s potential appointment of Rangnick to Milan could scupper those plans. Ultimately, the new leadership at Milan, including Glasner, will be tasked with shaping the squad and potentially convincing Modric to return.
