Niko Kovac has dropped a major hint that he wants Luka Modric at Borussia Dortmund and the stars could be aligning for a stunning free transfer.
The Croatian midfielder’s contract at AC Milan expires this summer. He’ll be 40 in September. But age, it seems, is just a number for Kovac.
Asked in the Bild podcast “Phrasenmäher” which former teammate he’d love to have in his BVB squad today, the Dortmund boss didn’t hesitate.
“Luka Modric. I was captain when he joined the national team, and you could see straight away what an exceptional footballer he is.”
Then came the wink.
“I knew this question was coming. Luka is 40, and he’s currently injured, so I just hope he recovers soon.”
Would Modric really come to Dortmund?
Here’s where it gets interesting.
Modric’s deal with Milan runs out this summer. No renewal has been announced. At 40, he’s still playing but the end is visibly approaching.
A free transfer. A veteran leader. A player who’s won absolutely everything.
Dortmund have a young squad. They could use someone like Modric to guide them through big moments. And Kovac’s personal connection? That matters.
The pair played together 25 times for Croatia between 2006 and 2008. Kovac was the captain. Modric was the rising star. There’s genuine respect there.
The reality check
Let’s not get carried away. Modric is 40. He’s currently injured. He’s played at the very highest level for nearly two decades.
Would he really trade Milan Champions League regulars, Serie A contenders for a Dortmund side fighting to get back into Europe’s elite?
Maybe. If Kovac can sell the project. If Modric fancies one last adventure. If the money works.
But it’s a long shot. A beautiful, romantic, unlikely long shot.
Other BVB bits
Elsewhere in Dortmund news, the club’s youth team have won the Premier League International Cup. On their competitive debut. Yes, really.
A blended side of U19 and U23 players edged out Real Madrid 1-0 in the final, with Taycan Etcibasi’s sixth minute strike settling it.
The competition launched in 2014/15 is one of Europe’s most prestigious youth tournaments. Sixteen English clubs. Sixteen international sides. And Dortmund came out on top.
One for the future.
Upcoming fixtures
Dortmund face Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga on 16 May. Then friendlies against Rot Weiß Oberhausen, Cerezo Osaka and FC Tokyo over the summer.
But the real drama? Whether Kovac gets his man.
Modric in black and yellow. It sounds like a fever dream. But stranger things have happened in football.
