Real Madrid's €35M ($43.9M) signing of EPL Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric "has become a reality," according to ECODIARIO.es. The final sum that Madrid had to pay for the Croatian "was higher than expected." On top of the €35M transfer fee, the team will pay an additional €7M ($8.8M) in various add-ons, bringing the total to €42M ($52.6M). With those figures, Tottenham President Daniel Levy "will have succeeded in reaching his objective of receiving close to €45M ($56.4M) for Modric" (ECODIARIO.es, 8/27). AS reported that Modric agreed to a five-year deal with Real Madrid worth €4.5M ($5.6M) a season (AS, 8/27). Marca reported that in addition to the transfer of Modric, the two clubs have "signed a partnership agreement." Real Madrid President Florentino Perez said, "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" (MARCA, 8/27). BLICK reported that Modric "flew to Madrid Monday for a medical examination." Just four years ago, Modric "left Dinamo Zagreb and joined Tottenham Hotspur for €21M." In 160 games for the Hotspur, the 26-year-old midfielder scored 17 goals and had 27 assists (BLICK, 8/27). The PA reported the new partnership between the clubs will see them "work together in respect of players, coaches and commercial relationships." Tottenham Chair Daniel Levy said, "While we preferred not to part with Luka, we are pleased that it is to Real Madrid, a club with which we now look forward to sharing a long and productive partnership" (PA, 8/27).
