Beyond the Bernabéu: how and why Modric became an investor in Swansea

Swansea’s US-based owners put the feelers out with the aim of adding a high-profile investor and Luka Modric, via his long-term agent, made clear it was an opportunity he was keen to pursue. Composite: Guardian Picture Desk

It was the transfer nobody saw coming: Luka Modric to Swansea City, not joining as a player, but a minority stakeholder. The most decorated player in Real Madrid’s history, a six-time Champions League winner and one of the greatest midfielders of his generation pitching up as a co-owner at a mid-table Championship club was certainly an unforeseen end-of-season development. A Ballon d’Or winner and Bernabéu star walking into the Swansea boardroom or exploring the Mumbles?

The sight of Modric cradling a Swansea-branded football in the accompanying press release prompted a few double-takes and sent a jolt across the game. “Hi Swansea fans, I’m Luka Modric and I’m excited to be part of the journey,” came his message.