Real Madrid set to closely scout midfield target in the second half of the season | OneFootball

According to a report from AS, Real Madrid scouts will closely monitor Kees Smit over the next six months before the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

It is known that the AZ Alkmaar youngster is being followed as part of Madrid’s wider plan to identify a midfield orchestrator capable of leading the team into the next cycle.

As mentioned many times in the past, Real Madrid are preparing to reinforce their midfield in the summer of 2026. 

With that objective in mind, Smit has emerged as a profile that fits many of the club’s requirements. 

Over recent weeks, his name has gathered serious traction among scouts, not just in Spain but across Europe.

There is competition

Competition for Smit’s signature is expected to be fierce. 

Several top clubs are aware of his rapid development, but Real Madrid believe their sporting project and global pull could be decisive if they choose to make a concrete move. 

The club see him as a player who is young enough to grow, yet already mature enough to handle responsibility at the highest level.

Real Madrid will keep an eye on Kees Smit. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

At just 19 years old, Smit has already taken important steps forward in his career. He has made his debut for the Dutch national team under Ronald Koeman, who is counting on him as part of his plans heading into the World Cup. 

Koeman’s faith has been telling, and comparisons to Pedri only underline the type of midfielder Smit is becoming.

Real Madrid keeping an eye

Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s interest is not new. Club scouts were first drawn to Smit during a Youth League match in the 2022–23 season, when AZ Alkmaar convincingly defeated Real Madrid 4-0. 

That performance sparked sustained monitoring of his progress, and since then, his development has only reinforced the initial impressions.

From now until the end of the season, the evaluation process will intensify. Madrid intend to observe him continuously, analysing not only his performances but also his consistency, personality, and response to pressure. 

However, under contract until 2028, AZ Alkmaar currently value him at around €60 million. 

It is already a hefty figure for a player who turns 20 on January 21, but one that could climb even higher with strong international exposure.