Transfers in the world of football are often shrouded in secrecy, with clubs keen to keep their pursuits under wraps to avoid losing out on coveted players to their competitors. However, Dinamo Zagreb's bold attempt to lure back former player and Real Madrid star Luka Modric has taken a more public approach.
Over the weekend, Dinamo took out a full-page advertisement in Marca, Spain's leading sports newspaper, in a bid to entice the 38-year-old midfielder to return to his roots at the club where he began his career in 2003. The ad prominently featured a blue Dinamo shirt bearing Modric's name and number, accompanied by the hashtag 'It makes all the sense in the world' and the signature of Dinamo's president, Velimir Zajec.
Additionally, Dinamo shared a message on social media platform X, showcasing a traditional Spanish breakfast before revealing the newspaper ad. Modric, who is expected to depart Real Madrid this summer following limited playing time this season, has a storied career that includes successful stints at Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid, where he has amassed an impressive collection of trophies.
Regarded as one of Croatia's finest footballers, Modric played a pivotal role in leading his national team to the 2018 World Cup final and was honored with the prestigious Ballon d'Or award that same year. While Modric has yet to publicly address his future plans, his potential departure from Madrid has sparked speculation about his next destination, with Major League Soccer (MLS) and other clubs reportedly expressing interest.
Dinamo's unconventional approach of publicly courting Modric through a newspaper advertisement is reminiscent of past high-profile transfers, such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic's headline-grabbing announcement of his move to MLS in 2018. As the football world eagerly awaits Modric's decision, the Croatian maestro's next chapter promises to be a captivating one, with fans and pundits alike eagerly anticipating his next move.