Mike Ashley refused to sign him at Newcastle United, now six-time UCL winner’s career is set for new twist

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Mike Ashley did a lot of things wrong at Newcastle United, but his failure to sign Luka Modric still hurts.

The former Newcastle United owner’s tenure as a whole was a complete mess and there were more high-profile mistakes, though not signing Modric turned out to be a total disaster on Ashley‘s watch. 

Back in 2008, Newcastle had agreed a deal to sign Modric. The midfielder was then playing for Dinamo Zagreb, and Toon boss at the time Kevin Keegan was eager to bring him to St James’ Park.

Almost two decades on, and the decision still looks bizarre. Even at the age of 39, Modric’s stunning career is set to take another remarkable twist.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Croatian midfielder could join AC Milan after leaving Real Madrid at the age of 39.

As such, it’s worth looking at exactly why Newcastle United didn’t sign him. 

• READ MORE: Mike Ashley’s desperate £20m trophy offer in 2017 shows how far Newcastle United have come

Mike Ashley ruined Newcastle United’s deal to sign Luka Modric

As revealed by former head of recruitment Tony Jimenez in 2018, Ashley pulled out of negotiations. He told The Times: “Everything was pretty much agreed but it was down to Mike. He was given the numbers – a £16million fee and £2million commission for the agent – and decided he didn’t want to take the risk.

Modric instead moved to Tottenham before going on to Madrid, with whom he won the Champions League on six different occasions. In 2018, he won the Ballon d’Or.  

Regarded as one of the best midfielders of his generation, it would have been fascinating to see him at St James’ Park. Granted, it wasn’t a successful era for the club, but Modric’s class would surely have shone regardless. 

Newcastle United won’t miss out on the next Luka Modric

Luckily, the club don’t appear as if they’ll make such a huge mistake again.

Owners PIF have brought some excellent players to Newcastle, and they continue to scour the perhaps more untapped markets for fresh additions. 

Clearly, suggesting he’ll ever become a player as successful as Modric would be ridiculous, but Newcastle have confirmed the signing of Antonio Cordero.

The Spanish winger becomes the latest young player to join the club, with Newcastle looking around Europe and beyond for the next big thing. 

Thankfully, if they’re ever in a position like they were with Modric again, Newcastle look primed to take action.