Two midfielders Real Madrid are tracking for the summer, including Manchester United target | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s long-term planning continues behind the scenes, and new names are now emerging on the club’s radar. 

Journalist Guillermo Rai has confirmed through The Athletic, that the Spanish giants are closely monitoring Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace and Kees Smit, one of the most highly rated young talents at AZ Alkmaar.

At this stage, Real Madrid are surveying the market rather than acting decisively. 

The club is exploring options in both defence and midfield, but sources insist that no final decisions have been made about signings in the coming months. 

The interest in Wharton and Smit is not new. We have previously reported that both midfielders are among the profiles currently being discussed internally. 

Their emergence comes at a time when Madrid are still adapting to life without two legendary figures in midfield.

Need for a midfielder

Since Toni Kroos retired in 2024, the club has lacked a natural controller capable of dictating tempo at the highest level. 

That issue became even more visible following Luka Modric’s departure last summer. While the squad remains full of talent, there is a growing sense that a new type of playmaker is needed to guide the next era.

Kees Smit is on Real Madrid’s radar. (Picture credit: X/@AZAlkmaar)

Still, voices inside Real Madrid are careful not to dwell on the past. 

There is a strong belief that football is evolving and that replacing legends like Kroos and Modric is not about nostalgia, but about finding profiles suited to the modern game.

Not easy to pull off

In Smit’s case, Madrid face serious competition. Newcastle United have identified the Dutch youngster as their top midfield target, placing added pressure on Madrid’s long-term strategy. 

The Premier League side’s interest could accelerate the situation and force Madrid to decide whether to act sooner than planned.

As for Wharton, who is also wanted by Manchester United, Crystal Palace appear resigned to the idea that his stay in south London may not last much longer. 

The club is well aware of the growing interest around the midfielder and has set a clear benchmark for any potential deal. 

Palace are said to expect offers above €65 million, with the final price possibly rising beyond €70 million.