Real Madrid has a new target in midfield. We are talking about a player who has been on the radar for months, but the club wanted to let him develop in the Netherlands to see how he progresses. However, at just 19 years of age, he has exploded onto the scene and been named MVP of the European Under-19 Championship after winning the final against Spain. The player in question is Kees Smit, and negotiations could be underway, but they are likely to be complicated.
In search of a midfielder
Real Madrid is looking for a specialist in midfield, and although Xabi Alonso seems to have found a solution for the Club World Cup with Arda Güler, it remains a priority for next season. A specialist is needed, someone who has played in such a specialized position and has so much responsibility in their veins. This is key for any club that wants to be a real contender to win everything.
Many players have left and there is interest in them, although they are options that are not entirely convincing: Angelo Stiller is one of the names that has been mentioned most since the end of the league championship. In Germany, he is nicknamed the new Kroos, which is saying a lot, but it is true that the Stuttgart player has certain similarities with the German legend. Calm on the ball, good movement, both high and low, ease in receiving passes in space… he is already one of the references in German football in midfield, both for his club and for the national team. In terms of price, he is one of the most talked about players, but he does not convince the board. The player is willing to wait until the end of the World Cup to make a decision, because he wants to wear white.
Rodri, from Manchester City, is another suitor, but his significant injury during the season is holding back an investment that would be in the millions, close to three figures or more. Mac Allister and Enzo Fernández have also been mentioned, but the Argentines from Liverpool and Chelsea would also require a significant investment, and they are not considered pure midfielders, which is what Xabi Alonso and the board want.
Kees Smit, the great promise
Kees Smit is emerging as one of Real Madrid’s promising prospects, and he ticks many of the boxes that Chamartín is looking for when it comes to signings: good, attractive, and inexpensive. The player has been on the team’s radar for some time, and the idea was to continue monitoring his progress with his club, AZ Alkmaar, but the European Under-19 Championship has changed everything.
The player, just for being named MVP, has already become an option for many of Europe’s big clubs, so Florentino Pérez has got down to work. An “affordable” price could still be negotiated for his transfer, given that he has not yet exploded and given the team he plays for, but there is no doubt that other teams could get involved in the fight.
The player, who is under contract with AZ Alkmaar until 2028, will require some negotiation. We are talking about a pure defensive midfielder, a total organizer, who has demonstrated his ability to carry the weight of the team and distribute the ball.
Kees Smit is the new target for Real Madrid. The Dutchman has become the MVP of the European Under-19 Championship and his club could put him up for sale to take advantage of the hype and get a good price for him. It is still unknown how much they will ask for him, but it will not be cheap. However, Real Madrid hopes that it will not be anything crazy and that they will be able to sign one of the gems of European football for their midfield.