Real Madrid have very positive reports on two young midfielders as summer plans take shape | OneFootball

According to a report from Mario Cortegana in The Athletic, Real Madrid have identified Adam Wharton and Kees Smit as two midfielders who are very highly rated internally. 

The journalist mentions that of the two, Smit is currently viewed as the more attractive option as the club continue their search for creativity in the centre of the pitch.

Madrid’s midfield has been in transition since the gradual departure of the legendary duo of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos. 

While the club has added energy and athleticism, there is still a feeling that the team lacks a natural organiser capable of dictating the tempo and unlocking defences consistently.

That concern is not new, as former manager Xabi Alonso had already asked for a central midfielder during the previous summer window. 

Now, the belief inside the club is that a significant investment in midfield could finally arrive. Several big-name players, including Vitinha and Enzo Fernandez, are admired by the Madrid hierarchy. 

Real Madrid are keeping an eye on Kees Smit. (Picture credit: X/@AZAlkmaar)

However, both are considered extremely expensive options, with transfer fees likely too high to justify the risk.

Two different alternatives

That reality has pushed the club to explore alternative profiles, young, technically gifted midfielders who could grow within the squad. 

In that category, Wharton of Crystal Palace and Smit of AZ Alkmaar have received very positive scouting reports.

AZ are reportedly asking for around €60 million for Smit and have given super agent Jorge Mendes the mandate to negotiate on their behalf. 

Both Smit and Wharton were discussed internally at Real Madrid last summer, but no clear consensus was reached at the time. As a result, the club chose not to sign any midfielder.

The situation has evolved since then, and Smit now appears to be the preferred option between the two.