Luka Modric will complete his protracted transfer Real Madrid, subject to a medical, after Tottenham confirmed they have reached an agreement with the Spanish champions.
The announcement ends weeks of negotiations for the 26-year-old who had made no secret of his desire to join Madrid, calling the move a “dream”.
While no fee has been disclosed, reports claim it will comprise of £27million plus £6m in various add-ons – up to £7m LESS than London rivals Chelsea were willing to pay last summer.
On that occasion Spurs chairman Daniel Levy blocked any attempts to prise Modric away from White Hart Lane, but he was powerless this time round with the player adamant he wanted out.
Levy paid tribute to the Croatian playmaker, who remains the club’s record signing after joining from Dinamo Zagreb for £16.5million in 2008.
The two clubs have also agreed a new “partnership” that, according to Levy, will see them “working together in respect of players, coaching, best practices and commercial relationships.”
“Luka has been a terrific player for us and, whilst we preferred not to part with him, we are pleased that it is to Real Madrid, a club with which we now look forward to sharing a long and productive partnership,” Levy told the club’s official website.
Madrid president Florentino Perez added: “The strong relationship and affinity between our two clubs has resulted in the cementing of a longer-term partnership and the successful transfer of Luka Modric.
“We are delighted to welcome Luka and look forward to working closely with Tottenham in the coming years.”
Modric’s compatriot and former Madrid striker Davor Suker believes his fellow countryman has all the attributes to become a first fans favourite with the Madridistas. “He has the quality and the ability to play for a big club like Real,” he said.
The news brings to an end one of the summer’s most protracted summer sagas which has seen Modric incur the wrath of Spurs supporters for missing the club’s pre-season tour of the US and claims of broken promises by Levy.
However, Modric has finally been granted his wish and will now hope he can help Madrid recover from a disastrous start to their defence of their La Liga crown.
Defeat to Madrid neighbours Getafe on Sunday night means they have picked up just one point from their opening two games, leaving them five points behind bitter rivals Barcelona already.
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