Modrić Defies Age as Milan Eyes a New Golden Era Contract Extension

Modrić's enduring influence at Milan

AC Milan, according to an Italian press report, is considering extending Luka Modrić's contract after the Croatian veteran became a central figure under coach Massimiliano Allegri this season.

The midfielder joined Milan from Real Madrid on a free transfer in the summer and has started every Serie A match this campaign, even as he approaches 40 years old.

So far this season, Modrić has appeared in 12 matches across all competitions, scoring one goal and providing two decisive assists.

Football Italia notes that Milan's management is weighing another season on his deal, thanks to his continued high-level performances.

Experts say Modrić could still play top-tier football up to age 42, especially with Croatia lining up for World Cup 2026.

The report adds that Modrić would likely welcome such an extension, given his desire to win titles and keep competing at the European elite level.

Milan sit third in Serie A with 22 points after 11 rounds, boasting six wins, four draws, and one loss.

Lewandowski in Milan's sights?

The Rossoneri are also exploring a potential move for Robert Lewandowski from Barcelona to strengthen the attack ahead of the January window, according to Gianluca Longari of Sport Italia.

Longari says Milan is weighing Lewandowski as a powerful option, especially with questions surrounding Mexican striker Santiago Gimenez, who remains uncertain about his future.

He notes that a January switch for Lewandowski seems unlikely, but the possibility exists given Barca’s contract with the Polish forward expires next summer, which could open a door similar to Modrić’s arrival.

Despite Milan scoring 15 goals in 10 matches, their attack has yet to hit the ceiling of their ambitions under Allegri, trailing Juventus by a goal and Napoli by one, while Inter Milan leads with 22 goals.

Keen to secure the deal, Igor Tare, Milan's sporting director, is expected to discuss wage structure with Lewandowski's representatives in the coming weeks to see if a fit can be found within the Rossoneri’s budget.

The plan is for Milan to mirror the successful Jiru experience—acquiring a veteran late in his career who becomes a key piece of the project—hoping Lewandowski can bring the same leadership as Modrić has.

Meanwhile, Ibrahimović—now part of Milan's administrative staff—continues to push for the Lewandowski bid, arguing the Polish star embodies the club's values and could inspire the next generation of players.

Barça's stance and the overall contract situation could influence any decision, and if Lewandowski departs in January, Barcelona would enter the winter market to refresh its squad, potentially easing the financial burden on the Blaugrana.

With Lewandowski's form continuing to impress, Barcelona still has to decide his long-term fate, especially as Ferran Torres has established himself as a fundamental piece of the attack.

Additionally, the Sporting Director’s sources name promising attackers such as Ita Young from Levante, suggesting Barca's strategic lines for the near future.

Lewandowski's current campaign numbers show 12 appearances across all competitions with seven goals; in the Champions League, he has played three matches without scoring; in La Liga, he has nine appearances with four goals (three as a sub, one as a starter). Since joining Barca from Bayern Munich, he has tallied 105 goals and 20 assists in 158 appearances across competitions, totaling 125 goal contributions.

Overall, Milan’s transfer strategy reflects a blend of honoring Modrić’s contribution while keeping an eye on long-term competitive balance, and a Lewandowski move would mark a bold reboot for the Rossoneri’s attack.

Punchline 1: If Modrić signs again, Milan might need a bigger calendar—one that ships with a built-in ice bath for the legs. Punchline 2: At this rate, Milan’s board will need a translator for all the trophies Modrić keeps collecting—call it a multilingual shelf-pleaser.