26-27 Real Madrid Linked to 20-Year-Old Midfielder After Failing to Sign Rodri
Real Madrid's search for a new midfielder appears to be taking a different direction after the club's pursuit of Rodri failed to produce a transfer. Instead of replacing the Manchester City star with another established name, Los Blancos are reportedly looking toward one of Europe's most promising young midfielders, Kees Smit. The 20-year-old AZ Alkmaar midfielder has been on Real Madrid's radar for some time, but renewed interest has emerged as the club continues to look for a critical signing in midfield. Recent reports have again identified Smit as a potential target, with Madrid, Barcelona and Atlético Madrid among the clubs that have monitored his development. The Netherlands native’s rise has been impressive. He developed through AZ's academy and became one of the club's most exciting young players after starring for its youth teams. His performances in the 2022-2023 UEFA Youth League were particularly important to his development, including a run in which AZ eliminated both Barcelona and Real Madrid before eventually winning the competition. Now, this Dutch prospect has established himself at senior level and is attracting attention from some of Europe's biggest clubs.
What makes the Dutchman particularly interesting for Real Madrid is his versatility. Smit is capable of operating in central midfield while also contributing further forward, giving him the ability to influence possession, create chances and link different areas of the pitch. Reports have compared his technical profile to that of players such as Bernardo Silva, particularly for his ability to combine close control with intelligent movement and passing. The timing of Madrid's interest is particularly significant because the club had identified Rodri as a potential solution to its midfield problems. The Spanish international would have provided experience, defensive stability and control in front of the back line. However, Madrid's pursuit has failed to yield an agreement, forcing the club to consider alternatives.
Smit would represent a very different type of signing. Rather than bringing in an established star, Madrid would be investing in a player who could potentially develop into a major contributor over the next several seasons. At 20, he would have time to adapt to Spanish football and gradually become accustomed to the demands of playing for Real Madrid. There is also a financial consideration. While AZ's asking price has reportedly risen substantially, Smit could still be a more manageable investment than some established midfielders on the market. Recent reports have placed his valuation in the range of €60 million to €70 million, although the exact figure remains uncertain.
The biggest question is whether Madrid actually needs to make the move immediately. The club's midfield already includes players like Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga and Aurélien Tchouaméni, while younger players are also pushing for opportunities. Recent reporting suggests Madrid currently considers its squad largely complete unless departures create additional openings. That could make Smit more of a long-term project than an immediate replacement for Rodri. If Real Madrid decides that it needs another midfielder for the 2026-27 campaign, the six-foot midfielder offers an intriguing alternative. He may not provide the immediate experience or defensive authority that Rodri would have brought. Still, his technical ability, age, and potential could make him a valuable investment for the future. After failing to land its preferred experienced option, Madrid now has a decision to make. It can continue searching for another established midfielder, trust the players already in the squad, or take a chance on one of the Netherlands' brightest young talents. The young Dutch midfielder could ultimately be the player who convinces Real Madrid that the answer to its midfield problem does not have to be another superstar. It could be the beginning of one.
