Liverpool plot summer raid for Real Madrid key midfield target – report | OneFootball

Real Madrid have made the signing of a new central midfielder one of their priorities for the summer transfer window of 2026.

The midfield department has severely underperformed in the current campaign and the failure to replace Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, who moved on in the last two summer windows, has hurt the Merengues.

As such, Los Blancos realise the necessity of a new midfielder and have identified potential targets, with Kees Smit of AZ Alkmaar leading the wishlist.

The 19-year-old Dutch prospect has been on Real Madrid’s radar since last summer and is being seen as a key target to strengthen the squad for next season.

Liverpool enter race for Kees Smit

However, according to reports relayed by AS, Liverpool have entered the race to sign Kees Smit and are preparing to move for the Dutchman in the summer.

Liverpool join Real Madrid in Kees Smit pursuit. (Picture credit: X/@AZAlkmaar)

The Premier League champions have endured a difficult first half of the season despite spending heavily last summer, when they signed players like Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz for huge sums.

Having failed to live up to expectations this season, the board is prepared to back manager Arne Slot once again in the next window, with Smit seen as a target to bolster their midfield department.

So, there could be a clash between Real Madrid and Liverpool for the Dutch midfield ace, while Barcelona, too, have shown an interest in the teenager.

Smit has a contract with AZ until the summer of 2028, but the Dutch outfit are slowly starting to accept that this season could be his last one with them.

But the Eredivisie club will not let Smit leave cheaply and will seek a fee of over €50 million for their prized asset, while they have also enlisted the help of superagent Jorge Mendes to facilitate the transfer.