Real Madrid has had a difficult season that may end without any titles, but the Whites are clinging to the Club World Cup as a lifeline to save a season that will leave several casualties in its wake. Looking ahead to the competition that kicks off in June, several players from the Whites find themselves in a curious situation that could be resolved with a quick contract renewal.
Lucas, Modric, and Vallejo’s contracts with Real Madrid expire on June 30, but they could renew just to play in the Club World Cup. With the first two, the decision seems to have been made, but there are doubts about the Spanish center back. The tournament begins on June 14 and ends on July 13.
The three players would be available under their current contracts for the group stage: Al Hilal (June 18, 9:00 p.m.), Pachuca (June 22, 9:00 p.m.) and Salzburg (June 27, 3:00 a.m.). If Madrid qualifies in second place, they would play the round of 16 on June 30 (still with their current contracts in force); but if not, they would do so on July 1 with the contracts of the three players expired.
Faced with this situation, the club is considering a curious two-week renewal. This is permitted by FIFA, which allows clubs participating in the Club World Cup to sign players on short-term contracts, as in the case of Lucas and Modric.
Everything seems to indicate that both players will extend their contracts by 15 days, although it appears that this renewal will not go any further. The Galician full-back’s poor season has opened the door for him to leave, as he is not in the plans for the Whites. In the case of the Croatian, who is about to turn 40, the preference is to release him and look for a new Toni Kroos for the midfield.
Although this seems to be the initial intention, OKDiario points out that Real Madrid will not exercise this express renewal option with Lucas Vázquez and will finalize his departure from the team on June 30. If Lucas ends his season when La Liga finishes, he will say goodbye on May 25 in the match against Real Sociedad.
In the case of Vallejo, the situation is different. The player has not played all season as he is not in the plans and will be let go in the summer. The problem is that the current situation in the White’s defense could mean that they need the Spanish center back, but if Rüdiger and Alaba recover, without ruling out Militao, they could do without the player. The situation is complicated, as saying goodbye to a player in the middle of the season seems inelegant, but there is also the possibility that he will not be called up and will end his contract in the same ostracism he has been experiencing all season.