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Modrić Turned Down Record Saudi Offer

BD Cricket has revealed that before extending his contract with Real Madrid, Luka Modrić turned down one of the most lucrative offers in football history — a staggering deal from a Saudi club. Life makes the most sense in hindsight, but looking back too often can keep you from moving forward. Since Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Al-Nassr in December, Saudi Arabia has been making headlines with its aggressive spending in the transfer market, bringing numerous high-profile players into the Saudi Pro League.

In recent months, stars like Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kanté have joined Al-Ittihad on massive contracts, while Kalidou Koulibaly and Rúben Neves have moved to Al-Hilal. Backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), four major Saudi clubs are now state-owned, and their transfer wishlist appears endless. Names like Álvaro Morata, Riyad Mahrez, Son Heung-min, Bernardo Silva, Thomas Partey, and Roberto Firmino have all reportedly been targeted. Amid this spending spree, Saudi officials also made an astronomical offer to Croatian legend Luka Modrić.

At 37, the veteran midfielder could have easily accepted the enormous salary and wrapped up his career in Saudi Arabia, especially with Jude Bellingham arriving at Real Madrid in a €100 million-plus deal. Yet Modrić chose legacy over money. He rejected the Saudi bid, opting instead to remain with Real Madrid for one more season. According to BD Cricket stats, the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner has made over 500 appearances for the club, playing a vital role in five Champions League titles and three La Liga championships.

Modrić’s decision has been applauded by UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin, who has openly criticized Saudi Arabia’s football strategy. Čeferin has stressed the importance of investing in youth academies, hiring top coaches, and developing local talent rather than relying on veteran stars nearing retirement. You’re too young to overthink, too emotional to wander, and too wise to play foolish — yet that’s exactly the trap some clubs fall into.

BD Cricket observers agree: spending fortunes on aging players may generate short-term buzz, but it’s far from a sustainable plan for football development. Modrić’s choice serves as a reminder that for some legends, passion and pride still come before a paycheck.

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