Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has claimed that he believes all of veteran trio Karim Benzema, Toni Kroos and Luka Modric will stay this summer, despite their futures seeming uncertain at present.
All three are now well into their mid-30s, but each remains crucial to the Los Blancos side and are leaned upon for their experience, despite the addition of youthful options in midfield and soon-to-be-in attack.
Out of contract this summer, Benzema and Modric are thought to be the subject of interest from Saudi Arabia, with the Pro League keen to build on the capture of Cristiano Ronaldo with fellow superstars.
Kroos, meanwhile, has revealed that he will not be leaving the Santiago Bernabeu for another club before retirement.
“I will retire here”, he explained last month, “the thing is that I still don’t know when it will be”.
Despite the uncertainty around the trio, Ancelotti believes that he will be able to keep them at the club.
“You can think the three don’t have the physical profile or energy of the younger players, but what these three have in terms of game management is unique, you can’t buy it on any market in the world.
“This is born with experience – age takes something from you, but it gives you something back as well.”
“I think that in the end they will look for a solution,” the Los Blancos boss continued.
“There are advances, because they are talking.”
Ancelotti’s own future is unclear as it stands, with the Italian strongly linked with the Brazil National team job, but with Endrick not arriving at the Santiago Bernabeu until 2024, Benzema’s renewal in particular could be crucial.
