'Important figure' Luka Modric expected to fill AC Milan leadership void as sporting director opens up on pursuit of Granit Xhaka and Ardon Jashari

AC Milan sporting director Igli Tare has confirmed that Modric is expected to play a pivotal leadership role at the club following his arrival from Real Madrid. Tare addressed media concerns over the team’s lack of on-pitch leadership last season and revealed that Modric’s signing was specifically targeted to address this gap. He also said that the team is looking into adding more midfield players, such as Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen and Ardon Jashari from Club Brugge.

Milan failed to qualify for European competition last season after finishing eighth in the Serie A table, prompting a rebuild led by new manager Allegri and sporting director Tare. Modric, 39, joins as a free agent and is considered a key figure in restoring professionalism and authority within the squad. Tare emphasised that the Croatian will not be the only experienced name added this summer, with midfield reinforcements prioritised in the transfer strategy.

Tare told reporters: "We noticed the lack of clear leadership within last year's team: maybe I don't know the dynamics closely. The purchase of Modric seemed like an anomalous thing, but he is an important figure in world football. I had the chance to speak with him in person, I saw a boy who really wants to be competitive. His arrival is fundamental to be the point of reference for a group that needs a player of this calibre. It won't be just him, there will be one or two purchases who will be part of the experienced players."

"The starting point is that the midfield is the area where we will intervene most after the analyses done with the coach. All the names mentioned are players of great value, but we have to make the right choices and take what we need. We want to improve the game and the quality of this team."

Modric is still competing at the Club World Cup with Madrid, while Milan will continue their transfer activity in the midfield area, with Xhaka and Jashari among the profiles being monitored. Next week is the start of Allegri's preseason training.